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THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 



THE ^ 



EARTHLY PARADISE 



A POEM. 



By WILLIAM MORRIS, 

AUTHOR OF "the LIFE AND DEATH OF JASON." 



From the Third Londort Edition, 



BOSTON: 

ROBERTS BROTHERS. 

1868. 






JUM 5 1907; 
author's edition^ 



^itcNiVERSiTY Press : Welch, Eig.elow, & Co., 
Cambridge. 



TO 



MY WIFE 



I DEDICATE THIS BOOK. 



department 
of the interior 



A TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



Page 

An Apology i 

Prologue. — The Wanderers .... 3 

The Author to the Reader . . . . .66 

MARCH 67 

Atalanta's Race 70 

The Man born to be King .... 90 

APRIL 140 

The Doom of King Acrisius ... 142 

The Proud King 199 

MAY 221 

The Story of Cupid and Psyche . . 223 

The Writing on tpie Image .... 282 

JUNE 291 

TThe Love of Alcestis 293 

The Lady of the Land . . . . 3^4 

JULY 338 

The Son of Crcesus 340 

The Watching of the Falcon . . . 354 

AUGUST ........ 375 

Pygmalion and the Image . . . . 37^ 

Ogier the Dane 394 



THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 



OF Heaven or Hell I have no power to sing, 
I cannot ease the burden of your fears, 
Or make quick-comiitg death a little thi7ig. 
Or briitg again the pleasure of past years, 
.Nor for my zvords shall ye forget your tears , 
Or hope again for aught that I can say. 
The (die singer of an empty day. 

But rather, when aweary of your mirth. 
From foci I hearts still unsatisfied ye sigh. 
And, feeling kindly ttnto all the earth. 
Grudge every minute as it passes by. 
Made the more mindful that the sweet days die, — 
Remember m^e a little then, I pray. 
The idle singer of an empty day. 

The heavy trouble, the bewildering care 
That weighs tcs down zuho live and earn our bread. 
These idle verses have no power to bear ; 
So let me sing of names remeinbered, 
Becattse they, living not, can ne'er be dead. 
Or long time take their 7ne7nory quite away 
From Its poor singers of an empty day. 

Dreamer of dreams, born out of my due titne. 
Why should I strive to set the c7'ooked straight ? 
Let it suffice 7ne that 77iy 77iuT'77turi7tg rhy77ie 
Beats with light wi7tg against the ivory gate, 
Telli7ig a tale 7tot too i77iportu7iate 
To those who i7i the sleepy 7'egio7t stay. 
Lulled by the singer of a7i e77ipty day, 
I 



THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Folk say, a zvizard to a noriheim king 
At ChiHstijias-tide such wondroics things did show. 

That through one window ineit beJieldthe spring. 
And through aitother saw the smjuuer glow. 
And through a third the fruited vines arow, 

While still, unheard, but in its wonted way. 
Piped the drear wind of that December day. 

So with this Earthly Pa7'adise it is. 
If ye will read ai'ight, and pardon fue. 
Who strive to build a shadowy isle of bliss 
Midmost the beatijtg of the steely sea, 
Where tossed about all hearts ofmeiz must be ; 
Whose ravenijtg monsters mighty men shall slay. 
Not the poor singer of an empty day. 



PROLOGUE. — THE WANDERERS. 



ARGUMENT. 

Certain gentlemen and mariners of Norway, having considered all that 
they had heard of the Earthly Paradise, set sail to find it, and after 
many troubles and the lapse of many years came old men to some 
Western land, of which they had never before heard : there they died, 
when they had dwelt there certain years, much honored of the strange 
people. 

FORGET six counties overhting with smoke, 
P'orget the snorting steam and piston stroke, 
Forget the spreading of the hideous town ; 
Think rather of the pack-horse on the down, 
And dream of London, small, and white, and clean, 
The clear Thames bordered by its gardens green ; 
Think, that below bridge the green lapping waves 
Smite some few keels that bear Levantine staves. 
Cut from the yew wood on the burnt-up hill, 
And pointed jars that Greek hands toiled to fill. 
And treasured scanty spice from some far sea, 
Florence gold cloth, and Ypres napery. 
And cloth of Bruges, and hogsheads of Guienne ; 
While nigh the thronged wharf Geoffrey Chaucer's pen 
Moves over bills of lading, — 'mid such times 
Shall dwell the hollov/ puppets of my rhymes. 

A nameless city in a distant sea, 
"White as the changing walls of faerie. 
Thronged with much people. clad in ancient guise 
I now am fain to set before your eyes ; 
There, leave the clear green water and the quays, 
And pass betwixt its marble palaces. 
Until ye come unto the chiefest square ; 
A bubbling conduit is set midmost there. 
And round about it now the maidens throng, 
With jest and laughter, and sweet broken song, 



THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Making but light of labor new begun 

While in their vessels gleams the morning sun. 

On one side of the square a temple stands, 
Wherein the gods worshipped in ancient lands 
Still have their altars ; a great market-place 
Upon two other sides fills all the space, 
And thence the busy hum of men comes forth ; 
But on the cold side looking toward the north 
A pillared council-house may you behold, 
Within whose porch are images of gold, 
Gods of the nations who dwelt anciently 
About the borders of the Grecian sea. 

Pass now between them, push the brazen door, 
And standing on the polished marble floor 
Leave all the noises of the square behind ; 
Most calm that reverent chamber shall ye find, 
Silent at first, but for the noise you made 
When on the brazen door your hand you laid 
To shut it after you, — but now behold 
The city rulers on their thrones of gold. 
Clad in most fair attire, and in their hands 
Long carven silver-banded ebony wands ; 
Then from the dais drop your eyes and see 
Soldiers and peasants standing reverently 
Before those elders, round a little band 
Who bear such arms as guard the English land, 
But battered, rent, and rusted sore, and they, 
The men themselves, are shrivelled, bent, and gray ; 
And as they lean with pain upon their spears 
Their brows seem furrowed deep with more than years ; 
For sorrow dulls their heavy sunken eyes. 
Bent are they less with time than miseries. 

Pondering on them the city graybeards gaze 
Through kindly eyes, midst thoughts of other days, 
And pity for poor souls, and vague regret 
For all the things that might have happened yet, 
Until, their wonder gathering to a head. 
The wisest man, who long that land has led, 
Breaks the deep silence, unto whom again 
A wanderer answers. Slowly as in pain. 
And with a hollow voice as from a tomb 
At first he tells the story of his doom. 
But as it grows and once more hopes and fears, 
Both measureless, are ringing round his ears, 



PROLOGUE.— THE WANDERERS,^ 

His eyes grow bright, his seeming days decrease, 
For grief once told brings somewhat back of peace. 

The Elder of the City. 

From what unheard-of world, in what strange keel, 
Have ye come hither to our commonweal ? 
No barbarous race, as these our peasants say, 
But learned in memories of a long-past day, 
Speaking, some few at least, the ancient tongue 
That through the lapse of ages still has clung 
To us, the seed of the Ionian race. 

Speak out and fear not ; if ye need a place 
Wherein to pass the end of life away, 
That shall ye gain from us from this same day, 
Unless the enemies of God ye are ; 
We fear not you and yours to bear us war, 
And scarce can think that ye will try again 
Across the perils of the shifting plain 
To seek your own land whereso that may be : 
For folk of ours bearing the memory 
Of our old land, in days past oft have striven 
To reach it, unto none of whom was given 
To come again 'and tell us of the tale. 
Therefore our ships are now content to sail 
About these happy islands that w^e know. 

The Wanderer. 

Masters, I have to tell a tale of woe, 
A tale of folly and of wasted life, 
Hope against hope, the bitter dregs of strife, 
Ending, where all things end, in death at last : 
So if I tell the story of the past, 
Let it be worth some little rest, I pray, 
A little slumber ere the end of day. 

No wonder if the Grecian tongue I know, 
Since at Byzantium many a year ago 
My father bore the twibil valiantly ; 
There did he marry, and get me, and die. 
And I went back to Norway to my kin. 
Long ere this beard ye see did first begin 
To shade my mouth, but nathless not before 
Among the Greeks I gathered some small lore, 
And, standing midst the Vaeringers, still heard 



THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

From this or that man many a wondrous word ; 

For ye shall know that though we worshipped God, 

And heard mass duly, still of Swithiod 

The Greater, Odin and his house of gold, 

The noble stories ceased not to be told ; 

These moved me more than words of mine can say 

E'en while at Micklegarth my folks did stay ; 

But when I reached one dying autumn- tide 

My nucleus dwelHng near the forest-side, 

And saw the land so scanty and so bare, 

And all the hard things men contend with there, 

A little and unworthy land it seemed. 

And yet the more of Asagard I dreamed, 

And worthier seemed the ancient faith of praise. 

But now, but now — when one of all those days 
Like Lazarus' finger on my heart should be 
Breaking the fiery fixed eternity. 
But for one moment ■ — could I see once more 
The gray-roofed seaport sloping towards the shore, 
Or note the brown boats standing in from sea, 
Or the great dromond swinging from the quay. 
Or in the beech-woods watch the sci»eaming jay 
Shoot up betwixt the tall trunks, smootli and gray, - 
Yea, could I see the days before distress 
When very longing was but happiness. 

Within our house there was a Breton squire 
Well learned, who failed not to fan the fire 
That evermore unholpen burned in me 
Strange lands and things beyond belief to see ; 
Much lore of many lands this Breton knew ; 
And for one tale I told, he told me two. 
He, counting Asagard a new-told thing. 
Yet spoke of gardens ever blossoming 
Across the western sea where none grew old. 
E'en as the books at Micklegarth had told, 
And said moreover that an English knight 
Had had the Earthly Paradise in sight. 
And heard the songs of those that dwelt therein, 
But entered not, being hindered by his sin. 
Shortly, so much of this and that he said 
That in my heart the sharp barb entered. 
And like real life would empty stories seem, 
And life from day to day an empty dream. 



PROLOGUE,— THE WANDERERS, 

Another man there was, a Swabian priest, 
Who knew the maladies of man and beast. 
And what things helped them ; he the stone still sought 
Whereby base metal into gold is brought, 
And strove to gain the precious draught whereby 
Men live midst mortal men yet never die ; 
Tales of the Kaiser Redbeard could he tell 
Who neither went to Heaven nor yet to Hell, 
When from that fight upon the Asian plain 
He vanished, but still lives to come again 
Men know not how or when ; but 1 listening 
, Unto this tale thought it a certain thing 
That in some hidden vale of Swithiod 
Across the golden pavement still he trod. 

But while our longing for such things so grew, 
And ever more and more we deemed them true, 
Upon the land a pestilence there fell 
Unheard-of yet in any chronicle, 
And, as the people died full fast of it, 
With these two men it chanced me once to sit, 
This learned squire whose name was Nicholas, 
And Swabian Laurence, as our manner was ; 
For could we help it scarcely did we part 
From dawn to dusk : so heavy, sad at heart, 
We from the castle yard beheld the bay 
Upon that ne'er-to-be-forgotten day ; 
Little we said amidst that dreary mood 
And certes naught that we could say was good. 

It was a bright September afternoon. 
The parched-up beech-trees would be yellowing soon ; 
The yellow flowers grown deeper with the sun 
Were letting fall their petals one by one ; 
No wind there was, a haze was gathering o'er 
The farthest bound of the faint yellow shore ; 
And in the oily waters of the bay 
Scarce moving aught some fisher-cobles lay. 
And all seemed peace ; and had been peace indeed 
But that we young men of our life had need. 
And to our listening ears a sound was borne 
That made the sunlight wretched and forlorn, — : 
The heavy tolling of the minster bell, — 
And nigher yet a tinkling sound did tell 
That through the streets they bore our Saviour Christ 
By dying lips in anguish to i3e kissed. 



THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

At last spoke Nicholas : " How long shall we 
Abide here, looking forth into the sea 
Expecting when our turn shall come to die ? 
Fair fellows, will ye come with me and try- 
Now at our worst that long-desired quest, 
Now — when our worst is death, and life our best.'' 

" Nay, but thou know'st," I said, " that I but wait 
The coming of some man, the turn of fate. 
To make this voyage, — but I die meanwhile, 
For I am poor, though my blood be not vile, 
Nor yet for all his lore doth Laurence hold 
Within his crucibles aught like to gold ; 
And what hast thou, whose father, driven forth 
By Charles of Blois, found shelter in th6 North ? 
But little riches as I needs must deem." 

'* Well," said he, " things are better than they seem, 
For 'neath my bed an iron chest I have 
That holdeth things I have made shift to save 
E'en for this end ; moreover, hark to this, 
In the next firth a fair long ship there is 
Well victualled, ready even now for sea, 
And I may say it 'longeth unto me ; 
Since Marcus Erling, late its owner, lies 
Dead at the end of many miseries, 
And little Kirstin, as thou well mayst know, 
Would be content throughout the world to go 
If I but took her hand, and now still more 
Hath heart to leave this poor death-stricken shore. 
Therefore my gold shall buy us Bordeaux swords 
And Bordeaux wine as we go oceanwards. 

" What say ye, will ye go with me to-night, 
Setting your faces to undreamed delight. 
Turning your backs unto this troublous hell, 
Or is the time too short to say farewell ? " 

"Not so," I said, "rather would I depart 
Now while thou speakest, never has my heart 
Been set on anything within this land." 

Then said the Swabian : " Let us now take hand 
And swear to follow evermore this quest. 
Till death or life have set our hearts at rest." 

So with joined hands we swore, and Nicholas said : 
"To-night, fair friends, be ye apparelled 
To leave this land, bring all the arms ye can 
And such men as ye trust, my own good man 



PROLOGUE.— THE WANDERERS, 

Guards the small postern looking towards St. Bride, 
And good it were ye should not be espied, 
Since mayhap freely ye should not go hence, 
Thou Rolf in special, for this pestilence 
Makes all men hard and cruel, nor are they 
Willing that folk should 'scape if they must stay : 
Be wise ; I bid you for a while farewell. 
Leave ye this stronghold when St. Peter's bell 
Strikes midnight, all will surely then be still, 
And I will bide you at King Tryggve's hill 
Outside the city gates. " 

Each went his way 
Therewith, and I the remnant of that day 
Gained for the quest three men that I deemed true, 
And did such other things as I must do, 
And still was ever listening for the chime 
Half maddened by the lazy lapse of time. 
Yea, scarce I thought indeed that I should live 
Till the great tower the joyful sound should give 
That set us free : and so the hours went past, 
Till startled by the echoing clang at last 
That told of midnight, armed from head to heel 
Down to the open postern did I steal, 
Bearing small wealth, — this sw^ord that yet hangs here 
Worn thin and narrow with so many a year, 
My father's axe that from Byzantium, 
With some few gems my pouch yet held, had come, 
Naught else that shone with silver or with gold. 

But by the postern gate could I behold 
Laurence the priest all armed as if for war. 
And my three men were standing not right far 
From off the town-wall, having some small store 
Of arms and furs and raiment : then once more 
I turned, and saw the autumn moonlight fall 
Upon the new-built bastions of the wall. 
Strange with black shadow and gray flood of light, 
And farther off I saw the lead shine bright 
On tower and turret -roof against the sky. 
And looking down I saw the old town lie 
Black in the shade of the o'erhanging hill, 
Stricken with death, and dreary, but all still 
Until it reached the water of the bay. 
That in the dead night smote against the quay # 
Not all unheard, though there was little wind. 
But as I turned to leave the place behind. 
The wind's light sound, the slowly falling swell, 



[0 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Were hushed at once by that shrill- tinkling bell, 
That, in that stillness jarring on mine ears, 
With sudden jangle checked the rising tears, 
And now the freshness of the open sea 
Seemed ease and joy and very life to me. 

So greeting my new mates with little sound, 
We made good haste to reach King Tryggve's mound, 
And there the Breton Nicholas beheld, 
Who by the hand fair Kirstin Erling held, 
And round about them twenty men there stood, 
Of whom the more part on the holy rood 
Were sworn till death to follow up the quest. 
And Kirstin was the mistress of the rest. 

Again betwixt us was there little speech, 
But swiftly did we set on toward the beach, 
And coming there our keel, the Fighting Man, 
We boarded, and the long oars out we ran. 
And swept from out the firth, and sped so well 
That scarcely could we hear St. Peter's bell 
Toll one, although the light wind blew from land ; 
Then hoisting sail southward we 'gan to stand, 
And much I joyed beneath the moon to see 
The lessening land that might have been to me 
A kindly giver of wife, child, and friend, 
And happy life, or at the worser end 
A quiet grave till doomsday rend the earth. 

Night passed, day dawned, and we grew full of mirth 
As with the ever-rising morning wind 
Still farther lay our threatened death behind. 
Or so we thought : some eighty men we were. 
Of whom but fifty knew the shipman's gear. 
The rest were uplanders ; midst such of these 
As knew not of our quest, with promises 
Went Nicholas dealing florins round about. 
With still a fresh tale for each new man's doubt, 
Till all were fairly won or seemed to be 
To that strange desperate voyage o'er the sea. 

Now if ye ask me from what land I come 
With all my folly, — Viken is my home. 
Where Tryggve Olaf's son and Olaf 's sire 
Lit to the ancient Gods the sacred fire. 
Unto whose line am I myself akin, 
Through, him who Astrid in old time did win, 
King Olaf 's widow : let all that go by, 
Since I was born at least to misery. 



PROLOGUE,— THE WANDERERS, u 

Now Nicholas came to Laurence and to me 
To talk of what he deemed our course should be, 
To whom agape I listened, since I knew 
Naught but old tales, nor aught of false and true 
Amid these, for but one kind seemed to be 
The Vineland voyage o^er the unknown sea 
And Swegder's search for Godheim, when he found 
The entrance to a new world underground ; 
But Nicholas o'er many books had pored 
And this and that thing in his mind had stored, 
And idle tales from true report he knew. 
— Would he were living now, to tell to you 
This story that my feeble lips must tell ! 

Now he indeed of Vineland knew full well, 
Both from my tales where truth perchance touched lies, 
And from the ancient written histories ; 
But now he said : ' ' The land was good enow 
That Leif the son of Eric camxc unto, 
But this was not our world, nay scarce could be 
The door into a place so heavenly 
As that we seek, therefore my rede is this. 
That we to gain that sure abode of bliss 
Risk dying in an unknown landless sea ; 
Although full certainly it seems to me 
All that we long for there we needs must find. 

*' Therefore, O friends, if ye are of my mind, 
When we are passed the French and English strait 
Let us seek news of that desired gate 
To immortality and blessed rest 
Within the landless waters of the west, 
But still a little to the southward steer. 
Certes no Greenland winter waits us there. 
No year-long night, but rather we shall find 
Spice-trees set waving by the western wind, 
And gentle folk who know no guile at least, 
And many a bright-winged bird and soft-skinned beast, 
For gently must the year upon them fall. 

' ' Now since the Fighting Man is over small 
To hold the mighty stores that we shall need, 
To turn as now to Bremen is my rede. 
And there to buy a new keel with my gold. 
And fill her with such things as she may hold ; 
And thou thenceforward, Rolf, her lord shalt be. 
Since thou art not unskilled upon the sea.'' 

But unto me most fair his saying seemed. 



12 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

For of a land unknown to all I dreamed, 
And certainly by some warm sea I thought 
That we the soonest thereto should be brought. 
Therefore with mirth enow passed every day 
Till in the Weser stream at last we lay 
Hearkening the bells of Bremen ring to mass, 
For on a Sunday morn our coming was. 
There in a while to chaffer did we fall, 
And of the merchants bought a dromond tall 
They called the Rose-Garland, and her we stored 
With such like victuals as we well might hoard, 
And arms and raiment ; also there we gained 
Some few men more by stories true and feigned, 
And by that time, now needing naught at all. 
We weighed, well armed, with good hope not to fall 
Into the hands of rovers of the sea. 
Since at that time had we heard certainly 
Edward of England drew all men to him, 
And that his fleet held whatso keel could swim 
From Jutland to Land's End ; for all that, we 
Thought it but wise to keep the open sea 
And give to warring lands a full wide berth ; 
Since unto all of us our lives seemed worth 
A better purchase than they erst had been. 

So it befell that we no sail had seen 
Till the sixth day at morn, when we drew near 
The land at last and saw the French coast clear, — 
The high land over Guines our pilot said. 
There at the daybreak, we, apparelled 
Like merchant ships in seeming, now perforce 
Must meet a navy drawing thwart our course, 
Whose sails and painted hulls not far away 
Rolled slowly o'er the leaden sea and gray. 
Beneath the night-clouds by no sun yet cleared ; 
But we with anxious hearts this navy neared, 
For we sailed deep and heavy, and to fly 
Would naught avail since we were drawn so nigh, 
And, fighting, must we meet but certain death. 

Soon with amazement did I hold my breath 
As from the wide bows of the Rose-Garland, 
I saw the sun, new risen o'er the land. 
Light up the shield-hung side of keel on keel. 
Their sails like knights' coats, and the points of steel 
Glittering from waist and castle and high top. 
And well indeed awhile my heart might stop 



PROLOGUE.— THE WANDERERS. 13 

As heading all the crowded van I saw, 
Huge, swelling out without a crease or flaw, 
' A sail where, on the quartered blue and red, 
In silk and gold right well apparelled. 
The lilies gleamed, the thin gaunt leopards glared 
Out toward the land where even now there flared 
The dying beacons. Ah, with such an one 
Could I from town to town of France have run 
To end my life upon some glorious day 
Where stand the banners brighter than the May 
Above the deeds of men, as certainly 
This king himself has full oft wished to die. 

And who knows now beneath what field he lies, 
Amidst what mighty bones of enemies ? 
Ah, surely it had been a glorious thing 
From such a field to lead forth such a king, 
That he might live again with happy days, 
And more than ever win the people's praise. 
Nor had it been an evil lot to stand 
On the worse side, with people of the land 
'Gainst such a man, when even this might fall, 
That it might be my luck some day to call 
My battle-cry o'er his low lying head, 
And I be evermore remembered. 

Well as we neared and neared, such thoughts I had 
Whereby perchance I was the less a-drad 
Of what might come, and at the worst we deemed 
They would not scorn our swords ; but as I dreamed 
Of fair towns won and desperate feats of w^ar. 
And my old follies now were driven afar 
By that most glorious sight, a loud halloo 
Came down the wind, and one by me who knew 
The English tongue cried that they bade us run 
Close up and board, nor was there any one 
Who durst say nay to that, so presently 
Both keels were underneath the big ship's lee ; 
While Nicholas and I together passed 
Betwixt the crowd of archers by the mast 
Unto the poop, where 'neath his canopy 
The king sat, eying us as we drew nigh. 

Broad-browed he was, hook-nosed, with wide gray eyes 
No longer eager for the coming prize. 
But keen and steadfast, many an ageing line, 
Half hidden by his sweeping beard and fine, 
Ploughed his thin cheeks, his hair was more than gray, 



14 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

And like to one he seemed whose better day 

Is over to himself, though foolish fame 

Shouts louder year by year his empty name. 

Unarmed he was, nor clad upon that morn 

Much like a king, an ivory hunting-horn 

Was slung about him, rich with gems and gold, 

And a great white gerfalcon did he hold 

Upon his fist ; before his feet there sat 

A scrivener making notes of this or that 

As the king bade him, and behind his chair 

His captains stood in armor rich and fair ; 

And by his side unhelmed, but armed, stood one 

I deemed none other than the prince his son ; 

For in a coat of England was he clad, 

And on his head a coronel he had. 

Tall was he, slim, made apt for feats of war, 

A splendid lord, yea, he seemed prouder far 

Than was his sire, yet his eyes therewithal 

With languid careless glance seemed wont to fall 

On things about, as though he deemed that naught 

Could fail unbidden to do all his thought. 

But close by him stood a war-beaten knight. 

Whose coat of war bore on a field of white 

A sharp red pile, and he of all men there 

Methought would be the one that I should fear 

If I led men. 

But midst my thoughts I heard 
The king's voice as the high seat now we neared, 
And knew his speech because in French it was, 
That erewhile I had learnt of Nicholas. 
*' Fair sirs, what are ye ? for on this one day, " 
I rule the narrow seas mine ancient way. 
Me seemeth in the highest bark I know 
The Flemish handiwork, but yet ye show 
Unlike to merchants, though your ships are deep 
And slowly through the water do ye creep ; 
And thou, fair sir, seem'st journeying from the north 
With peltries Bordeaux-ward ? Nay then go forth, 
Thou wilt not harm us : yet if ye be men 
Well-born and warlike, these are fair days, when 
The good heart wins more than the merchant keeps, 
And safest still in steel the young head sleeps ; 
And here are banners thou mayest stand beneath 
And not be shamed either in life or death, — 
What, man, thou reddenest, wouldst thou say me no. 
If underneath my banner thou shouldst go ? 



PROLOGUE.— THE WANDERERS. 15 

Nay, thou mayest speak, or let thy fellow say 
What he is stuffed with, be it yea or nay." 
For as he spoke my fellow gazed on me 
"With something like to fear, and hurriedly 
As I bent forward, thrust me on one side. 
And scarce the king's last word would he abide 
But 'gan to say : " Sire, from the north we come, 
Though as for me far nigher is my home. 
Thy foes, my Lord, drove out my kin and me, 
Ere yet thine armed hand was upon the sea ; 
Chandos shall surely know my father's name, 
Loys of Dinan, which ill-luck, sword, and flame. 
Lord Charles of Blois, the French king, and the pest 
In this and that land now have laid to rest, 
Except for me alone. And now, my Lord, 
If I shall seem to speak an idle word 
To such as thou art, pardon me therefore ; 
But we, part taught by ancient books and lore, 
And part by what, nor yet so long ago. 
This man's own countrymen have come to do, 
Have gathered hope to find across the sea 
A land where we shall gain felicity 
Past tongue of man to tell of ; and our life 
Is not so sweet here, or so free from strife, 
Or glorious deeds so common, that, if we 
Should think a certain path at last to see 
To such a place, men then could think us wise 
To turn away therefrom, and shut our eyes, 
Because at many a turning here and there 
Swift death might lurk, or unaccustomed fear. 

King, I pray thee in this young man's face 
Flash not thy banner, nor with thy frank grace 
Tear him from life ; but go thy way, let us 
Find hidden death, or life more glorious 
Than thou durst think of, knowing not the gate 
Whereby to flee from that all-shadowing fate. 

" C King, since I could walk a yard or twain. 
Or utter anything but cries of pain. 
Death was before me ; yea, on the first morn 
That I remember aught, among the corn 

1 wandered with my nurse, behind us lay 

The walls of Vannes, white in the summer day, 
The reapers whistled, the brown maidens sung. 
As on the wain the topmost sheaf they hung, 
The swallow wheeled above high up in air. 
And midst the labor all was sweet and fair : 



i6 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

When on the winding road between the fields 

I saw a glittering line of spears and shields, 

And pleased therewith called out to some one by 

E'en as I could ; he scarce for fear could cry, 

' The French ! the French ! ' and turned and ran his best 

Toward the town gates, and we ran with the rest, 

I wailing loud who knew not why at all, 

But ere we reached the gates my nurse did fall, 

I with her, and I wondered much that she 

Just as she fell should still lie quietly ; 

Nor did the colored feathers that I found 

Stuck in her side, as frightened I crawled round, 

Tell me the tale, though I was sore afeard 

At all the cries and wailing that I heard. 

' ' I say, my Lord, that arrow-flight now seems 
The first thing rising clear from feeble dreams, * 
And that was death ; and the next thing was death, 
For through our house all spoke with bated breath 
And wore black clothes, withal they came to me 
A little child, and did off hastily 
My shoon and hosen, and with that I heard 
The sound of doleful singing, and afeard 
Forebore to question, when I saw the feet 
Of all were bare, like mine, as toward the street 
We passed, and joined a crowd in such like guise 
Who through the town sang woful litanies, 
Pressing the stones with feet unused and soft, 
And bearing images of saints aloft. 
In hope 'gainst hope to save us from the rage 
Of that fell pest, that as an unseen cage 
Hemmed France about, and me and such as me 
They made partakers of their misery. 

' ' Lo, death again, and if the time served now 
Full many another picture could I show 
Of death and death, and men who ever strive 
Through every misery at least to live. 
The priest within the minster preaches it. 
And brooding o'er it doth the wise man sit 
Letting life's joys go by. Well, blame me then, 
If I who love this changing life of men, 
And every minute of whose life were bliss 
Too great to long for greater, but for this, — 
Mock me, who take this death-bound life in hand 
And risk the rag to find a happy land. 
Where at the worst death is so far away 
No man need think of him from day to day, — 



PROLOGUE.— THE WANDERERS. 17 

Mock me, but let us go, for I am fain 

Our restless road, the landless sea, to gain." 

His words nigh made me weep, but while he spoke 
I noted how a mocking smile just broke 
The thin line of the Prince's lips, and he 
Who carried the afore-named armory- 
Puffed out his wind-beat cheeks and whistled low : 
But the king smiled, and said : " Can it be so ? 
1 know not, and ye twain are such as find 
The things whereto old kings must needs be blind. 
For you the world is wide, — but not for me, 
Who once had dreams of one great victory 
Wherein that world lay vanquished by my throne, 
And now, the victor in so many an one, 
Find that in Asia Alexander died 
And will not live again ; the world is wide 
For you I say, — for me a narrow space 
Betwixt the four walls of a fighting place. 

*'Poor man, why should I stay thee ; live thy fill 
Of that fair life wherein thou seest no ill 
But fear of that fair rest I hope to win 
One day, when I have purged me of my sin. 

" Farewell, it yet may hap that I a king 
Shall be remembered but by this one thing, 
That on the morn before ye crossed the sea 
Ye gave and took in common talk with me ; 
But with this ring keep memory of the morn, 
O Breton, and thou Northman, by this horn 
Remember me, who am of Odin's blood, 
As heralds say ; moreover it were good 
Ye had some lines of writing 'neath my seal, 
Or ye might find it somewhat hard to deal 
With some of mine, who pass not for a word 
Whate'er they deem may hold a hostile sword. " 

So as we kneeled this royal man to thank, 
A clerk brought forth two passes sealed and blank, 
And when w^e had them, with the horn and ring, 
With few words did we leave the noble king, 
And as adown the gangway steps we passed. 
We saw the yards swing creaking round the mast, 
And heard the shipman's ho, for one by one 
The van outsailed before, by him had run 
E'en as he stayed for us, and now indeed 
Of his main battle must he take good heed : 
2 



8 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

But as from off the mighty side we pushed, 
And in between us the green water rushed, 
I heard his scalds strike up triumphantly 
Some song that told not of the weary sea, 
But rather of the mead and fair green-wood, 
And as we leaned o'er to the wind, I stood 
And saw the bright sails leave us, and soon lost 
The pensive music by the strong wind tossed 
From wave to wave, then turning ,1 espied 
Glittering and white upon the weather side 
The land he came from, o'er the bright green sea, 
Scarce duller than the land upon our lee, 
For now the clouds had fled before the sun 
And the bright autumn clay was well begun. 
Then I cried out for music too, and heard 
The minstrels sing some well-remembered word, 
And while they sung, before me still I gazed, 
Silent with thought of many things, and mazed 
With many longings ; when I looked again 
To see those lands, naught but the restless plain 
With some far-off small fisher-boat was left ; 
A little hour forevermore had reft 
The sight of Europe from my helpless eyes, 
And crowned my store of hapless memories. 

The Elder of the City. 

Sit, friends, and tell your tale which seems to us 
Shall be a strange tale and a piteous. 
Nor shall it lack our pity for its woe. 
Nor ye due thanks for all the things ye show 
Of kingdoms nigh forgot that once were great, 
And small lands come to glorious estate. 

But, sirs, ye faint, behold these maidens stand 
Bearing the blood of this our sunburnt land 
In well-wrought cups, — drink now of this, that while. 
Ye poor folk wandered, hid from fortune's smile 
Abode your coming, hidden none the less 
Below the earth from summer's happiness. 

The Wanderers. 

Fair sirs, we thank you, hoping we have come 
Through many wanderings to a quiet home 
Befitting dying men — Good health and peace 
To you and to this land, and fair increase 
Of everything that ye can wish to have ! 



Prologue, — THE v/anderers, 1^9 

But to my tale : A fair southeast wind drave 
Our ships for ten days more, and ever we 
Sailed mile for mile together steadily, 
But the tenth day I saw the Fighting Man 
Brought up to wait me, and when nigh I ran 
Her captain hailed me, saying that he thought 
That we too far to northward had been brought, 
And we must do our southing while we could ; 
So as his will to me was ever good 
In such like things, we changed our course straightway, 
And as we might till the eleventh day 
Stretched somewhat south, then baffling grew the wind, 
But as we still were ignorant and blind, 
Nor knew our port, we sailed on helplessly 
O'er a smooth sea, beneath a lovely sky, 
And westward ever, but no signs of land 
All through these days w*e saw on either hand, 
Nor indeed hoped to see, because we knew 
Some watery desert we must journey through, 
That had been huge enough to keep all men 
From gaining that we sought for until then. 

Yet when I grew downcast, I did not fail 
To call to mind, how from our land set sail 
A certain man, and, after he had passed 
Through many unknown seas, did reach at last 
A rocky island's shore one foggy day, 
And while a little off the land he lay 
As in a dream he heard the folk call out 
In his own tongue, but mazed and all in doubt 
He turned therefrom, and afterwards in strife 
With winds and waters, much of precious life 
He wasted utterly, for when again 
He reached his port after long months of pain. 
Unto Biarmeland he chanced to go. 
And there the isle he left so long ago 
He knew at once, where many Northmen were. 

And such a fate I could not choose but fear 
For us sometimes ; and sometimes when at night 
Beneath the moon I watched the foam fly while 
From off our bows, and thought how weak and small 
Showed the Rose- Garland's mast that looked so tall 
Beside the quays of Bremen ; when I saw 
With measured steps the watch on toward me draw. 
And in the moon the helmsman's peering face. 
And 'twixt the cordage strained across my place 



20 THE EARTHLY PARADJSE, 

Beheld the white sail of the Fighting Man 

Lead down the pathway of the moonlight wan, — 

Then when the ocean seemed so measureless 

The very sky itself might well be less, 

When midst the changeless piping of the wind, 

The intertwined slow waves pressed on behind. 

Rolled o'er our wake and made it naught again, 

Then would it seem an ill thing and a vain 

To leave the hopeful world that we had known. 

When ail was o'er, hopeless to die alone 

Within this changeless world of waters gray. 

But hope would come back to me with the day. 
The talk of men, the viol's quivering strings. 
Would bring my heart to think of better things. 
Nor were our folk down-hearted through all this ; 
For partly with the hope of that vague bliss 
Were they made happy, partly the soft air 
And idle days wheretlirough we then did fare 
Were joy enow to rude seafaring folk. 

But this our ease at last a tempest broke 
And we must scud before it helplessly, 
Fearing each moment lest some climlDing sea 
Should topple o'er our poop and end us there. 
Nathless we 'scaped, and still the wind blew fair 
For what we deemed was our right course ; but when, 
On the third eve, we, as delivered men, 
Took breath because the gale was now blown out, 
And from our rolling deck we looked about 
Over the ridges of the dark gray seas. 
And saw the sun, setting in golden ease, 
Smile out at last from out the just-cleared sky 
Over the ocean's weltering misery. 
Still nothing of the Fighting Man we saw. 
Which last was seen when the first gusty flaw 
Smote them and us ; but nothing would avail 
To mend the thing, so onward did we sail. 
But slowly, through the moonlit night and fair, 
With all sails set that we could hoist in air. 
And rolling heavily at first, for still 
Each wave came on a glittering rippled hill. 
And, lifting us aloft, showed from its height 
The waste of waves, and then to lightless night 
Dropped us adown, and much ado had we 
To ride unspilt the wallow of the sea. 

But the sun rose up in a cloudless sky. 



PROLOGUE. --THE WANDERERS. 21 

And from the east the wind blew cheerily, 

And southwest still we steered ; till on a day 

As nigh the mast deep in dull thoughts I lay, 

I heard a shout, and turning could I see 

One of the shipmen hurrying fast to me, 

With something in his hand, who cast adown 

Close to my hand a mass of sea-weed brown. 

Without more words, then knew I certainly 

The wrack, that oft before I had seen lie 

In sandy bights of Norway, and that eve 

Just as the sun the ridgy sea w^ould leave. 

Shore-birds we saw, that flew so nigh, we heard 

Their hoarse loud voice that seemed a heavenly word. 

Then all were glad, but I a fool and young 
Slept not that nij^ht, but walked the deck and sung 
Snatches of songs, and verily I think 
I thought next morn of some fresh stream to drink. 
What say I ? next morn did I think to be 
Set in my godless fair eternity. 

Sirs, ye are old, and ye have seen perchance 
Some litde child for very gladness dance 
Over a scarcely noticed worthless thing, 
Worth more to him than ransom of a king • 
Did not a pang of more than pity take 
Your heart thereat, not for the youngling's sake, 
But for your own, for man that passes by. 
So like to God, so like the beasts that die. — 
Lo, sirs, my pity for myself is such, 
When, like an image that my hand can touch, 
My old self grows unto myself grown old. 
— Sirs, I forget my story is not told. 

Next morn more wrack v/e saw, more birds, but still 
No land as yet either for good or ill. 
But with the light increased the favoring breeze. 
And smoothly did we mount the ridgy seas. 
Then as anigh the good ship's stern I stood 
Gazing adown, a piece of rough-hewn wood 
On a wave's crest I saw, and loud I cried, 
" Drift-wood ! drift-wood ! " and one from by my side, 
Maddened with joy, made for the shrouds, and clomb 
Up to the top to look on his new home, 
For sure he thought the green earth soon to see ; 
But gazing thence about him, presently 



THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

He shouted out, *' A sail astern, a sail ! " 

Freshening the hope that now had 'gun to fail 

Of seeing our fellows with the earth new found ; 

"Wherefore we shortened sail, and, sweeping round 

The hazy edges of the sea and sky, 

Soon from the deck could see that sail draw nigh, 

Half fearful lest she yet might chance to be 

The floating house of some strange enemy, 

Till on her sail we could at last behold 

The ruddy lion with the axe of gold. 

And Marcus Erling's sign set cornerwise, 

The green, gold-fruited tree of Paradise. 

Ah, what a meeting as she drew anigh, 

Greeted with ringing shouts and minstrelsy ; 

Alas, the joyful fever of that day. 

When all we met still told of land that lay 

Not far ahead ! Yet at our joyous feast 

A word of warning spoke the Swabian priest 

To me and Nicholas, for, " O friends," he said, 

*' Right welcome is the land that' lies ahead 

To us who cannot turn, and in this air, 

"Washed by this sea, it cannot but be fair, 

And good for us poor men I make no doubt ; 

Yet, fellows, must I warn you not to shout 

Ere we have left the troublous wood behind 

Wherein we wander desperate and blind : 

Think what may dwell there ! Call to mind the tale 

We heard last winter o'er the Yule-tide ale, 

When that small, withered, black-eyed Genoese 

Told of the island in the outer seas 

He and his fellows reached upon a tide, 

And how, as lying by a streamlet's side. 

With ripe fruits ready unto every hand, 

They lacked not for fair women of the land. 

The devils came and slew them, all but him, 

Who, how he scarce knew, made a shift to swim 

Off to his ship : nor must ye, fellows, fear 

Such things alone, for mayhap men dwell here 

Who worship dreadful gods, and sacrifice 

Poor travellers to them in such horrid wise 

As I have heard of; or let this go by. 

Yet we may chance to come to slavery. 

Or all our strength and weapons be too poor 

To conquer such beasts as the unknown shore 

May breed ; or set all these ill things aside. 

It yet may be our lot to wander wide 



PROLOGUE,— THE WANDERERS, 23 

Through many lands before at last we come 
Unto the gates of our enduring home." 

But what availed such warnii:|g unto us 
Who, by this change made nigh delirious, 
Spake wisdom outward from the teeth, but thought 
That in a little hour we should be brought 
Unto that bliss our hearts were set upon. 
That more than very Heaven we now had won. 

Well, the next morn unto our land we came, 
And even now my cheeks grow red with shame, 
To think what words I said to Nicholas 
(Since on that night in the great ship I was), 
Asking him questions, as if he were God, 
Or at the least in that fair land had trod, _ 

And knew it well, and still he answered me 
As some great doctor in theology 
Might his poor scholar, asking him of heaven. 

But unto me next morn the grace was given 
To see land first, and when men certainly 
That blessed sight of all sights could descry. 
All hearts were melted, and with happy tears, 
Born of the death of all our doubts and fears. 
Yea, with loud weeping, each did each embrace 
For joy that we had gained the glorious place. 
Then must the minstrels sing, then must they play 
Some joyous strain to welcome in the day. 
But for hot tears could see nor bow nor string, 
Nor for the rising sobs make shift to sing ; 
Yea, some of us in that first ecstasy 
For joy of 'scaping death went near to die. 

Then might be seen how hard is this world's lot 
When such a marvel was our grief forgot. 
And what a thing the world's joy is to bear. 
When on our hearts the broken bonds of care 
Had left such scars, no man of us could say 
The burning words upon his lips that lay ; 
Since, trained to hide the depths of misery. 
Amidst that joy no more our tongues were free. 
Ah, then it was indeed when first I knew. 
When all our wildest dreams seemed coming true. 
And we had reached the gates of Paradise 
And endless bliss, at what unmeasured price 
Man sets his life, and, drawing happy breath, 

shuddered at the once familiar death. 



24 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

Alas, the happy day ! the foolish day ! 
Alas, the sweet time, too soon passed away ! 

Well, in a while I gained the Rose- Garland, 
And as toward shore we steadily did stand 
With all sail set, the wind, which had been light, 
Since the beginning of the just past night, 
Failed utterly, and the sharp ripple slept. 
Then, toiling hard, forward our keels we swept. 
Making small way, until night fell again, 
And then, although of landing we were fain, 
Needs must we wait, but when the sun was set 
Then the cool night a light air did beget. 
And 'neath the stars slowly we moved along. 
And found ourselves within a current strong 
At daybreak, and the land beneath our lee. 

There a long line of breakers could we see, 
That on a yellow sandy beach did fall. 
And then a belt of grass, and then a wall 
Of green trees, rising dark against the sky. 
Not long we looked, but anchored presently 
A furlong from the shore, and then, all armed, 
Into the boats the most part of us swarmed, 
And pulled with eager hands unto the beach ; 
But when the seething surf our prow did reach. 
From off the bows I leapt into the sea 
Waist-deep, and, wading, was the first to be 
Upon that land ; then to the flowers I ran, 
And cried aloud like to a drunken man 
Words w^ithout meaning, whereof none took heed, 
For all across the yellow beach made speed 
To roll among the fair flowers and the grass. 

But when our folly somewhat tempered was, 
And w^e could talk like men, we thought it good 
To try if we could pierce the thick black wood. 
And see what men might dwell in that new land ; 
But when we entered it, on either hand 
Uprose the trunks, with underwood intwined 
Making one thicket, thorny, dense, and blind ; 
Where with our axes, laboring half the day, 
We scarcely made some half a rod of way. 

Therefore, we left that place and tried again, 
Yea, many times, but yet was all in vain ; 
So to the ships we went, when we had been 
A long way in our arms, nor yet had seen 
A sign of man, but as for living things, 



PROLOGUE.— THE WANDERERS. 25 

G^y birds with many-colored crests and wings, 
Conies anigh the beach, and while we hacked 
Within the wood, gray serpents, yellow-backed, 
And monstrous lizards ; yea, and one man said 
That 'midst the thorns he saw a dragon's head ; 
And keeping still his eyes on it he felt 
For a stout shaft he had within his belt ; 
But just as he had got it to the string 
And drawn his hand aback, the loathly thing 
Vanished away, and how he could not tell. 

Now spite of all, little our courage fell, 
For this day's work, nay rather, all things seemed 
To show that we no foolish dream had dreamed, — 
The pathless, fearful sea, the land that lay 
So strange, so hard to find, so far away, 
The lovely summer air, the while we knew 
That unto winter now at home it grew, 
The flowery shore, the dragon-guarded wood, 
So hard to pierce, — each one of these made good 
The foolish hope that led us from our home, 
That we to utter misery might come. 

Now next morn when the tide began to flow, 
"We weighed, and somewhat northward did we go, 
Coasting that land, and every now and then 
We went ashore to try the woods again ; 
But little change we found in them, until 
Inland we saw a bare and scarped white hill 
Rise o'er their tops, and going farther on 
Unto a broad green river's mouth we won, 
And entering there ran up it with the flood, 
For it was deep although 'twixt walls of wood 
Darkly enough its shaded stream did flow. 
And high trees hid the hill we saw just now. 

So as we peered about from side to side 
A path upon the right bank we espied 
Through the thick wood, and mooring hastily 
Our ships unto the trunks of trees thereby, 
Laurence and I with sixty men took land. 
With bow or cutting sword or bill in hand, 
And bearing food to last till the third day ; 
But with the others there did Nicholas stay 
To guard the ships, with whom was Kirstin still. 
Who now seemed pining for old things and ill. 
Spite of the sea-breeze and the lovely air. 



26 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

But as for us, we followed up with care 
A winding path, looking from left to right 
Lest any deadly thing should come in sight ; 
And certainly our path a dragon crossed 
That in the thicket presently we lost ; 
And some men said a leopard they espied, 
And. farther on we heard a beast that cried ; 
Serpents we saw, like those we erst had seen. 
And many-colored birds, and lizards green, 
And apes that chattered from amidst the trees. 

So on we went until a dying breeze 
We felt upon our faces, and soon grew 
The forest thinner, till at last we knew 
The great scarped hill, which if we now could scale 
The sight of much far country would avail ; 
But coming there we climbed it easily, 
For though escarped and rough toward the sea. 
The beaten path we followed led us round 
To where a soft and grassy slope we found. 
And there it forked, one arm led up the hill 
Another through the forest wound on still ; 
Which last we left, in good hope soon to see 
Some signs of man, which happened presently ; 
For two thirds up the hill we reached a space 
Levelled by man's hand in the mountain's face, 
And there a rude shrine stood, of unhewn stones 
Both walls and roof, with a great heap of bones 
Piled up outside it : there awhile we stood 
In doubt, for something there made cold our blood, 
Till brother Laurence, with a whispered word. 
Crossed himself thrice, and drawing forth his sword 
Entered alone, but therewith presently 
From the inside called out aloud to me 
To follow, so I, trembling, yet went in 
To that abode of unknown monstrous sin, 
And others foUov/ed : therein could we see, 
Amidst the gloom by peering steadily. 
An altar of rough stones, and over it 
We saw a god of yellow metal sit, 
A cubit long, which Laurence with his tongue 
Had touched and found pure gold ; withal there hung 
Against the wall men's bodies brown and dry, 
Which gaudy rags of raiment wretchedly 
Did wrap about, and all their heads were wreathed 
With golden chaplets ; and meanwhile we breathed 



PROLOGUE. — THE WANDERERS, 27 

A heavy, faint, and sweet spice-laden air, 

As though that incense late were scattered there. 

But from that house of devils soon we passed 
Trembling and pale, Laurence the priest the last, 
And got away in haste, nor durst we take 
Those golden chaplets for their wearers' sake, 
Or that grim golden devil whose they were ; 
Yet for the rest, although they brought us fear 
They did but seem to show our heaven anigh 
Because we deemed these might have come to die 
In seeking it, being slain for fatal sin. 

And now we set ourselves in haste to win 
Up to that mountain's top, and on the way 
Looked backward oft upon the land that lay 
Beneath the hill, and still on every hand 
The forest seemed to cover all the land, 
But that some four leagues off we saw a space 
Cleared of the trees, and in that open place 
Houses w^e seemed to see, and rising smoke 
That told where dwelt the unknown, unseen folk. 

But when at last the utmost top we won 
A dismal sight our eyes must look upon ; 
The mountain's summit, levelled by man's art, 
Was hedged by high stones set some yard apart 
All round a smooth paved space, and midst of these 
We saw a group of well-wrought images, 
Or so they seemed at first, who stood around 
An old hoar man laid on the rocky ground 
Who seemed to live as yet ; now drawing near 
We saw indeed what things these figures were ; 
Dead corpses, by some deft embalmer dried, 
And on this mountain after they had died 
Set up like players on a yule-tide feast ; ^ 

Here stood a hunter, with a spotted beast 
Most like a leopard, writhing up his spear ; 
Nigh the old man stood one as if drawn near 
To give him drink, and on each side his head 
Two damsels daintily apparelled ; 
And then again, nigh him who bore the cup, 
Were two who 'twixt them bore a litter up 
As though upon a journey he should go. 
And round about stood men with spear and bow, 
And painted targets, as the guard to all, 
Headed by one beyond man's stature tall. 
Who, half turned round, as though he gave the word, 
Seemed as he once had been a mighty lord. 



28 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

But the live man amid the corpses laid, 
Turning from side to side, some faint word said 
Now and again, but kept his eyes shut fast ; 
And we, when from the green slope we had passed 
On to this dreadful stage, awe-struck and scared, 
Awhile upon the ghastly puppets stared, 
Then trembling, with drawn swords, came close anigh 
To where the hapless ancient man did lie, 
"Who at the noise we made now oped his eyes 
And fixing them upon us did uprise, 
And with a fearful scream stretched out his hand, 
While upright on his head his hair did stand 
For very terror, while we none the less 
Were rooted to the ground for fearfulness, 
And scarce our weapons could make shift to hold. 
But as we stood and gazed, over he rolled 
Like a death-stricken bull, and there he lay, 
With his long-hoarded life quite past away. 

Then in our hearts did wonder conquer fear. 
And to the dead men did we draw anear 
And found them such like things as I have said, 
But he, their master, was apparelled 
Like to those others that we saw e'en now 
Hung up within the dreary house below. 

Right little courage had we there to stay. 
So down the hill again we took our way. 
When looking landward thence we had but seen. 
All round about, the forest dull and green. 
Pierced by the river where our ships we left, 
And bounded by far-off blue mountains, cleft 
By passes here and there ; but we went by 
The chapel of the gold god silently. 
For doubts had risen in our hearts at last 
If yet the bitterness of death wxre past. 

But having come again into the wood. 
We there took counsel whether it were good 
To turn back to the ships, or push on still 
Till we had reached the place that from the hill 
We had beheld, and since the last seemed best 
Onward we marched, scarce staying to take rest 
And eat some food, for feverish did we grow 
For haste the best or worst of all to know. 

Along the path that, as I said before. 
Led from the hill, we went, and labored sore 
To gain the open ere the night should fall, 
But yet in vain, for, like a dreary pall 



PROLOGUE.— THE WANDERERS. 29 

Cast o'er the world, the darkness hemmed us in, 

And though we struggled desperately to win 

From out the forest through the very night, 

Yet did that labor so abate our might, 

We thought it good to rest among the trees. 

Nor come on those who might be enemies 

In the thick darkness, neither did we dare 

To light a fire lest folk should slay us there 

Mazed and defenceless ; so the one half slept 

As they might do, the while the others kept 

Good guard in turn ; and as we watched we heard 

Sounds that might well have made bold men afeard, 

And cowards die of fear, but we, alone, 

Apart from all, such desperate men were grown, 

If we should fail to win our Paradise, 

That common life we now might well despise. 

So by the daybreak on our way we were, 
When we had seen to all our fighting gear ; 
And soon we came unto that open space. 
And here and there about a grassy place 
Saw houses scattered, neither great nor fair, 
For they were framed of trees as they grew there, 
And walled with wattle- work from tree to tree ; 
And thereabout beasts unknown did we see, 
Four-footed, tame ; and soon a man came out 
From the first house, and with a startled shout . 
Took to his heels, and soon from far and near. 
The folk swarmed out, and still as in great fear 
Gave us no second look, but ran their best, 
And they being clad but lightly for the rest. 
To follow them seemed little mastery. 
So to their houses gat we speedily 
To see if we might take some loiterer ; 
And some few feeble folk we did find there. 
Though most had fled, and unto these with pain 
We made some little of our meaning plain. 
And sent an old man forth into the wood 
To show his fellows that our will was good. 
Who going from us came back presently. 
His message done, and with him two or three, 
The boldest of his folk, and they in turn 
A little of us by our signs did learn. 
Then went their way : and so at last all fear 
Was laid aside, and thronging they drew near 
To look upon us ; and at last came one 
Who had upon his breast a golden sun, 



30 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

And in strange glittering gay attire was clad ; 

He let us know our coming made him glad, 

And bade us come with him ; so thereon we, 

Thinking him some one in authority. 

Rose up and followed him, who with glad face 

Led us through closer streets of that strange place, 

And brought us lastly to a shapely hall 

Round and high-roofed, held up with tree trunks tall ; 

And midst his lords the barbarous king sat there, 

Gold-crowned, in strange apparel rich and fair, 

"Whereat we shuddered, for we saw that he 

Was clad like him that erewhile we did see 

Upon the hill, and like those other ones 

Hung in the dismal shrine of unhewn stones. 

Yet naught of evil did he seem to think. 
But bade us sit by him and eat and drink. 
So eating did we speak by signs meanwhile 
Each unto each, and they would laugh and smile 
As folk well pleased ; and with them all that day 
Well feasted, learning some things did we stay. 
And sure of all the folk I ever saw 
These were the gentlest : if they had a law 
We knew not then, but still they seemed to be 
Like the gold people of antiquity. 

Now when we tried to ask for that good land, 
Eastward and seaward did they point the hand ; 
Yet if they knew what thing we meant thereby 
We knew not ; but when w^e for our reply 
Said that we came thence, they made signs to say 
They knew it well, and kneeling down they lay 
Before our feet, as people worshipping. 

But we, though somewhat troubled at this thing. 
Failed not to hope, because it seemed to us 
That this so simple folk and virtuous, 
So happy midst their dreary forest bowers. 
Showed at the least a better land than ours. 
And some yet better thing far onward lay. 

Amidst all this we made a shift to pray 
That some of them would go with us, to be 
Our fellows on the perilous green sea, 
And much did they rejoice when this they knew. 
And straightway 'midst tlieir young men lots they drew. 
And the next morn of these they gave us ten. 
And wept at our departing. 

Now these men, 
Though brown indeed through dint of that hot sun, 



PROLOGUE,— THE WANDERERS. 31 

Were comely and well-knit, as any one 

I saw in Greece, and fit for deeds of war, 

Though, as I said, of all men gentlest far ; 

Their arms were axe and spear, and shield arid bow, 

But naught of iron did they seem to know. 

For all their cutting tools were edged with flint, 

Or with soft copper, that soon turned and bent ; 

With cloths of cotton were their bodies clad, 

But other raiment for delight they had 

Most fairly woven of some unknown thing ; 

And all of them from little child to king 

Had many ornaments of beaten gold : 

Certes, we might have gathered wealth untold 

Amongst them, had that then been in our thought, 

But none the glittering evil valued aught. 

Now of these foresters we learned, that they, 
Hemmed by the woods, went seldom a long way 
From where we saw them, and no boat they had, 
Or much of other people good or bad 
They knew, and ever had they little war : 
But now and then a folk would come from far 
In ships unlike to ours, and for their gold 
Would give them goods ; and some men over bold 
Who dwelt beyond the great hill we had seen, 
Had waged them war, but these all slain had been 
Among the tangled woods by men who knew 
What tracks of beasts the thicket might pierce through. 

Such things they told us whom we brought away. 
But after this, for certes on that day 
Not much we gathered of their way of life. 

So to the ships we came at last, and rife 
With many things new learned, we told them all, 
And though our courage might begin to fall 
A little now, yet each to other we 
Made countenance of great felicity, 
And spoke as if the prize were w^ellnigh won. 

Behold then, sirs, how fortune led us on. 
Little by little till we reached the worst, 
And still our lives grew more and more accurst. 

The Elder of the City. 

Nay, friends, believe your worser life now past, 
And that a little bliss is reached at last ; 
Take heart, therefore, for like a tale so told 



32 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Is each man's life : and ye, who have been bold 
To see and suffer such unheard-of things, 
Henceforth shall be more worshipped than the kings 
We hear you name ; then since ye reach this day 
How are ye worse for what has passed away ? 

The Wanderer. 

Kind folk, what words of ours can give you praise 
That fits your kindness ? yet for those past days, 
If we bemoan our lot, think this at least ; 
We are as men, who cast aside a feast 
Amidst their lowly fellows, that they miay 
Eat with the king, and who at end of day, 
Bearing sore stripes, with great humility 
Must pray the bedesmen of those men to be 
They scorned that day while yet the sun was high. 

Not long within the river did we lie, 
But put to sea intending as before 
To coast with watchful eyes the unknown shore, 
And strive to pierce the woods ; three days we sailed, 
And little all our watchfulness availed. 
Though all that time the wind was fair enow ; 
But on the fourth day it began to blow 
From off the land, and still increased on us 
Until the storm grown wild and furious. 
Although at anchor still we strove to ride, 
Had blown us out into the ocean wide, 
Far out of sight of land ; and when at last, 
After three days, its fury was o'erpast, 
Of all our counsels this one was the best 
To beat back blindly to the longed-for west ; 
Baffling the wind was, toilsome was the way. 
Nor did we make land till tlie thirtieth day. 
When both flesh-meat and water were nigh spent, 
But anchoring at last, ashore we went, 
And found the land far better than the first. 
For this with no thick forest was accurst. 
Though here and there were scattered clumps of wood. 
The air was cooler, too, but soft and good. 
Fair streams we saw, and herds of goats and deer. 
But nothing noisome for a man to fear. 

So since at anchor safe our good ships lay 
Within the long horns of a sandy bay, 
We thought it good ashore to take our ease, 



PROLOGUE. — THE WANDERERS. 2>Z 

And pitched our tents anigh some maple-trees 
Not far from shore, and there with little pain 
Enough of venison quickly did we gain 
To feast us all, and high feast did we hold 
Lighting great fires, for now the nights were cold, 
And we were fain a noble roast to eat ; 
Nor did we lack for drink to better meat, 
For from the dark hold of the Rose-Garland 
A well-hooped cask our shipmen brought aland, 
That knew some white-walled city of the Rhine. 

There crowned with flowers, and flushed with noble wine. 
Hearkening the distant murmur of the main, 
And safe upon our promised land again. 
What wonder if our vain hopes rose once more 
And Heaven seemed dull beside that twice -won shore. 

By midnight in our tents were we asleep, 
And little watch that night did any keep. 
For as our pleasance that fair land we deemed. 
But in my sleep of lovely things I dreamed, 
For I was back at Micklegarth once more, 
But not a court-man's son there as of yore, 
But the Greek king, or so I seemed to be, 
Set on the throne whose awe and majesty 
Gold lions guard ; before whose moveless feet 
A damsel knelt, praying in words so sweet 
For what I know not now, that both mine eyes 
Grew full of tears, and I must bid her rise 
And sit beside me ; step by step she came 
Up the gold stair, setting my heart aflame 
With all her beauty, till she reached the throne 
And there sat down, but as, with her alone 
In that vast hall, my hand her hand did seek. 
And on my face I felt her balmy cheek. 
Throughout my heart there shot a dreadful pang, 
And down below us, with a sudden clang. 
The golden lions rose, and roared aloud. 
And in at every door did armed men crowd. 
Shouting out death and curses, and I fell 
Dreaming indeed that this at last was hell. 

But therewithal I woke, and through the night 
Heard shrieks and shouts and clamor as of fight, 
And snatching up my axe, unarmed beside 
Nor scarce awaked, my rallying cry I cried. 
And with good haste unto the hubbub went ; 
But even in the entry of the tent 
3 



34 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Some dark mass hid the star-besprinkled sky, 

And whistling past my head a spear did fly, 

And striking out I saw a naked man 

Fall ^leath my blow, nor heeded him, but ran 

Unto the captain's tent, for there indeed 

I saw my fellows stand at desperate need. 

Beset with foes, nor yet armed more than I, 

Though on the way I rallied hastily 

Some better armed, with whom I straightway fell 

Upon the foe, who with a hideous yell 

Turned round upon us ; but we desperate 

And fresh, and dangerous for our axes' weight, 

Fought so that they must needs give back a pace 

And yield our fellows some small breathing space ; 

Then gathering all together, side by side 

We laid our weapons, and our cries we cried 

And rushed upon them, who abode no more 

Our levelled points, but scattering from the shore 

Ran here and there, but when some two or three 

We in the chase had slain right easily, 

We held our hands, nor followed more their flight, 

Fearing the many chances of the night. 

Then did we light our watch-fires up again 
And armed us all, and found three good men slain ; 
Ten wounded, among whom was Nicholas, 
Though little heedful of these things he was, 
For in his tent he sat upon the ground. 
Holding fair Kirstin's hand, whom he had found 
Dead, with a feathered javelin in her breast. 

But taking counsel now, we thought it best 
To gather up our goods and get away 
Unto the ships, and there to wait the day ; 
Nor did we loiter, fearful lest the foe. 
Who somewhat now our feebleness must know, 
Should come on us with force made manifold, 
And all our story quickly should be told. 
So to our boats in haste the others gat, 
But in his tent, not speaking, Nicholas sat, 
Nor moved when o'er his head we struck the tent. 
But when all things were ready, then I went 
And raised the body up, and silently 
Walked with it down the beach unto the sea ; 
Then he arose and followed me, and when 
He reached at last the now embarking men, 
And in a boat my burden I had laid, 
He sat beside ; but no word had he said 



PROLOGUE,— THE WANDERERS. 35 

Since first he knew her slain. Such ending had 
The night at whose beginning all were glad. 

One wounded man of theirs we brought with us 
Hoping for news, but he grew furious 
When he awoke aboard from out his swoon, 
And tore his wounds, and smote himself, and soon 
Died outright, though his hurts were slight enow ; 
So naught from him of that land could we know. 
But now as we that luckless country scanned, 
Just at the daybreak did we see a band 
Of these barbarians come with shout and yell 
Across the place where all these things befell, 
Down to the very edges of the sea ; 
But though armed now, by day, we easily 
Had made a shift no few of them to slay, 
It seemed to us the better course to weigh 
And try another entry to that land ; 
So southward with a light wind did we stand, 
Not losing sight of shore, and now and then 
I led ashore the more part of our men 
Well armed, by daylight, and the barbarous folk 
Once and again from bushments on us broke, 
Whom without loss of men we brushed away. 
But in our turn it happed to us one day 
Upon a knot of them unwares to come. 
These we bore back with us, the most of whom 
Would neither eat nor drink, but sullenly 
Sat in a corner of the ship to die ; 
But 'mongst them was a woman, who at last, 
Won by the glitter of some toy we cast 
About her neck, by soft words and by wine, 
Began to answer us by sign to sign ; 
Of whom we learned not much indeed, but when 
We set on shore those tameless savage men. 
And would have left her too, she seemed to pray, 
For terror of her folk, with us to stay : 
Therefore we took her back with us, and she, 
Though learning not our tongue too easily, 
Unto the forest-folk began to speak. 

Now midst all this passed many a weary week, 
And we no nigher all the time had come 
Unto the portal of our blissful home. 
And needs our bright hope somewhat must decay ; 
Yet none the less as dull day passed by day, 
Still onward by our folly were we led, 



36 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

And still with lies our wavering hearts we fed. 
Happy we were in this, that still the wind 
Blew as we wished, and still the air w^as kind ; 
Nor failed we of fresh water as we went 
Along the coast, and oft our bows we bent 
On beast and fowl, and had no lack of food. 

Upon a day it chanced, that as we stood 
Somewhat off shore to fetch about a ness, 
Although the wind was blowing less and less, 
We were entrapped into a fearful sea, 
And carried by a current furiously 
Away from shore, and there were we so tost 
That for a while we deemed ourselves but lost 
Amid those tumbling waves ; but now at last. 
When out of sight of land we long had passed, 
The sea fell, and again toward land we stood, 
Which, reached upon the tenth day, seemed right good, 
But still un tilled, and mountains rose up high 
Far inland, mingling with the cloudy sky. 

Once more we took the land, and since we found 
That, more than ever, beasts did there abound, 
We pitched our camp beside a little stream, 
But scarcely there of Paradise did dream 
As heretofore. Our camp we fortified 
With wall and dike, and then the land we tried, 
And found the people most untaught and wild. 
Nigh void of arts, but harmless, good, and mild. 
Nor fearing us : with some of these we went 
Back to our camp and people, with intent 
To question them, by her we last had got. 
But when she heard their tongue she knew it not. 
Nor did those others : but they seemed to say. 
That o'er the mountains other lands there lay 
Where folk dwelt, clothed and armed like unto us. 
But made withal as they were timorous 
And feared them much. Then we made signs that we, 
So little feared by all that tumbling sea. 
Would go to seek them ; but they still would stay 
Our journey ; nathless what they meant to say 
We scarce knew yet : howbeit, since these men 
Were friendly, and the weather, which till then 
Had been most fair, now grew to storm and rain, 
And the wind blew on land, and not in vain 
To us poor fools, that tale, half understood 
Those folk had told : midst all we thought it good 
To haul our ships ashore, and build us there 



PROLOGUE, — THE WANDERERS. 37 

A place where we might dwell, till we could fare 
Along the coast, or inland it might be, 
That fertile realm, those goodly men to see. 

Right foul the weather was a dreary space 
While we abode with people of that place, 
And built them huts, as well we could, for we 
Who dwell in Norway have great mastery 
In wood Wright's craft ; but they in turn would bring . 
Wild fruits to us, and many a woodland thing, 
And catch us fish, and show us how to take 
The smaller beasts, and meanwhile for our sake 
They learned our tongue, and we too somewhat learned 
Of words of theirs ; but day by day we yearned 
To cross those mountains, and I wOke no morn, 
To find myself lost, wretched, and forlorn, 
But those far-off white summits gave me heart ; 
Now too those folk their story could impart 
Concerning them, and that in short was this, — 
Beyond them lay a fair abode of bliss 
Where dwelt men like the Gods, and clad as we, 
Who doubtless lived on through eternity 
Unless the very world should come to naught ; 
But never had they had the impious thought 
To scale those mountains, since most surely, none 
Could follow over them the fearful sun 
And live, of men they knew ; but as for us, 
They said, who were so wise and glorious. 
It might not be so. 

Thus they spoke one eve 
When the black rain-clouds for a while did leave 
Upon the fresh and teeming earth to frown, 
And we they spoke to had just set us down 
Midmost their village ; from the resting earth 
Sweet odors rose, and in their noisy mirth 
The women played, as rising from the brook 
Off their long locks the glittering drops they shook ; 
Betwixt the huts the children raced along ; 
Some man was singing a wild barbarous song 
Anigh us, and these folk, possessing naught 
And lacking naught, lived happy, free from thought, 
Or so it seemed — but we, what thing could pay 
For all that we had left so far away ? 

Such thoughts as these I uttered murmuringly, 
But hfting up mine eyes, against the sky 
Beheld the snowy peaks brought near to us 
By a strange sunset, red and glorious. 



38 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

That seemed as through the much-praised land it lit, 
And would do, long hours after we must sit 
Beneath the twinkling stars with none to heed : 
And though I knew it was not so indeed, 
Yet did it seem to answer me as though 
It called us once more on our quest to go. 

Then springing up I raised my voice and said : — ' 

" What is it, fellows ? fear ye to be dead 
Upon those peaks, when, if ye loiter here 
Half dead, with very death still drawing near, 
Your lives are wasted all the more for this. 
That ye in this world thought to garner bliss ? 
Unless indeed ye chance to think it well 
With this unclad and barbarous folk to dwell, 
Deedless and hopeless ; ye, to whom the land, 
That o'er the world has sent so many a band 
Of conquering men, was not yet good enough. 

' ' Did ye then deem the way would not be rough 
Unto the lovely land ye so desire ? 
Did ye not rather swear through blood and fire, 
And all ill things to follow up this quest 
Till life or death your longing laid to rest ? 

' ' Let us not linger here then, until fate 
Make longing unavailing, hope too late. 
And turn to lamentations all our prayers. 
But with to-morrow cast aside your cares. 
And stout of heart make ready for the strife 
'Twixt this short time of dreaming and real life. 

*' Lo now, if but the half will come with me, 
The summit of those mountains will I see. 
Or else die first, — yea, if but twenty men 
Will follow me ; nor will I stay if ten 
Will share my trouble or felicity — 
What do I say ? alone, O friends, will I 
Seek for my life, for no man can die twice, 
And death or life may give me Paradise ! '' 

Then Nicholas said : '' Rolf, I will go with thee, 
For desperate do I think the quest to be. 
And I shall die, and that to me is well, 
Or else I may forget, I cannot tell, — 
Still I will go." 

Then Laurence said : ' ' I too 
Will go, remembering what I said to you, 
When any land, the first to which we came. 
Seemed that we sought, and set your hearts aflame, 



PROLOGUE.— THE WANDERERS. 39 

And all seemed won to you : but still I think, 
Perchance years hence, the fount of life to drink, 
Unless by some ill chance I first am slain, 
But boundless risk must pay for boundless gain." 

So most men said, but yet a few there were 
Who said : " Nay, soothly let us live on here, 
We have been fools and we must pay therefore 
With this dull life, and labor very sore 
Until we die ; yet are we grown too wise 
Upon this earth to seek for Paradise ; 
Leave us, but ye may yet come back again 
When ye have found your trouble naught and vain/* 

Well, in three days we left those men behind, 
To dwell among the simple folk and kind 
Who were our guides at first, until that we 
Reached the green hills clustered confusedly 
About the mountains, then they turned, right glad 
That till that time no horrors they had had ; 
But we still hopeful, making naught of time, 
The rugged rocks now set ourselves to climb, 
And lonely there for days and days and days 
We stumbled through the blind and bitter ways. 
Now rising to the never-melting snow, 
Now beaten thence, and fain to try below 
Another kingdom of that world of stone. 

At last when all our means of life were gone, 
And some of us had fallen in the fight 
With cold and weariness, we came in sight 
Of what we hungered for, — what then, — what then ? 
A savage land, a land untilled again. 
No lack of food while lasted shaft or bow, 
But folk the worst of all we came to know ; 
Scarce like to men, yea, worse than most of beasts, 
For of men slain they made their impious feasts \ 
These, as I deem for our fresh blood athirst 
From out the thick wood often on us burst. 
Not heeding death, and in confused fight 
We spent full many a wretched day and night. 
That yet were happiest of the times we knew, 
For with our grief such fearful foes we grew. 
That Odin's gods had hardly scared men more 
As fearless through the naked press we bore. 
At first indeed some prisoners did we take. 
Asking them questions for our fair land's sake. 
Hoping 'gainst hope \ but when in vain had been 



40 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Our questioning, and we one day had seen 
Their way of banqueting, then axe and spear 
Ended the wretched Hfe and sullen fear 
Of any wild man wounded in the fight. 

So with the failing of our hoped delight 
We grew to be like devils, — then I knew, 
At my own cost, what each man cometh to 
When every pleasure from his life is gone, 
And hunger and desire of life alone. 
That still beget dull rage and bestial fears, 
Like gnawing serpents through the world he bears. 

What time we spent there ? nay, I do not know : 
For happy folk no time can pass too slow 
Because they die ; because at last they die 
And are at rest, no time too fast can fly 
For wretches ; but eternity of woe 
Had hemmed us in, and neither fast or slow 
Passed the dull time as we held reckoning. 

Yet midst so many a wretched, hopeless thing 
One hope there was, if it was still a hope, 
At last, at last, to turn, and scale the cope 
Of those dread mountains we had clambered o'er. 
And we did turn, and with what labor sore. 
What thirst, what hunger, and what wretchedness 
We struggled daily, how can words express ? 
Yet amidst all, the kind God led us on 
Until at last a high raised pass we won 
And like gray clouds afar beheld the sea, 
And weakened with our toil and misery 
Wept at that sight, that like a friend did seem 
Forgotten long, beheld but in a dream 
When we know not if he be still alive. 

But thence descending, we with rocks did strive, 
Till dwindled, weary, did we reach the plain 
And came unto our untaught friends again. 
And those we left, who yet alive and well. 
Wedded to brown wives, fain would have us tell 
The story of our woes, which when they heard, 
The country people wondered at our word. 
But not our fellows ; and so all being said 
A little there we gathered lustihead 
Still talking over what was best to do. 
And we the leaders yet were fain to go 
From sea to sea and take what God might send, 
Who at the worst our hopes and griefs would end 
With that same death we once had hoped to stay, 



PROLOGUE,— THE WANDERERS, 41 

Or even yet might send us such a day, 

That our past troubles should but make us glad 

As men rejoice in pensive songs and sad. 

This was our counsel ; those that we had left 
Said, that they once before had been bereft 
Of friends and country by a sick man's dream, 
That this their life not evil did they deem 
Nor would they rashly cast it down the wind ; 
But whoso went, that they would stay behind. 

Others there were who said, whate'er might come 
They would at least seek for the happy home 
They had forgotten once, and there at last 
In penitence for sins and follies past 
Wait for the death that they in vain had fled. 

Well, when all things by all sides had been said 
We drew the ships again unto the sea. 
Which those who went not with us carefully 
Had tended for those years we were away 
(Which still they said was ten months and a day) ; 
And these we rigged, and in a little while 
The Fighting Man looked o'er the false sea's smile 
Unto the land of Norway, and our band, 
Across the bulwarks of the Rose- Garland, 
Amidst of tears and doubt and misery 
Sent after them a feeble farewell cry. 
And they returned a tremulous faint cheer ; 
While from the sandy shell-strewn beach anear 
The soft west wind across the waves bore out 
A strange confused noise of wail and shout, 
For there the dark line of the outland folk 
A few familiar gray-eyed faces broke. 
That minded us of Norway left astern, 
Ere we began our heavy task to learn. 

The Elder of the City. 

Sirs, by my deeming had ye still gone on 
When ye had crossed the mountains, ye had won 
Unto another sea at last, and there 
Had found clad folk, and cities great and fair 
Though not the deathless country of your thought. 

The Wanderer. 

Yea, sirs, and short of that we had deemed naught, 
Ere yet our hope of life had fully died. 
And for those cities scarce should we have tried, 



42 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

E'en had we known of them, and certainly- 
Naught but those bestial people did we see : 
But let me hasten now unto the end. 

Fair wind and lovely weather God did send 
To us deserted men, who but two-score 
Now mustered, so we stood off from the shore 
Still stretching south till we lost land again, 
Because we deemed our labor would be vain 
Upon the land too near where we had been, 
Where none of us as yet a sign had seen 
Of that which we desired. And now wx few, 
Thus left alone, each unto other grew 
The dearer friends, and less accursed we seemed 
As still the less of 'scaping death we dreamed, 
And knew the lot of all men should be ours, 
A checkered day of sunshine and of showers 
Fading to twilight and dark night at last. 

Those forest folk with ours their lot had cast, 
And ever unto us were leal and true. 
And now when all our tongue at last they knew 
They told us tales, too long to tell as now ; 
Yet this one thing I fain to you would show 
About the dying man our sight did kill 
Amidst the corpses on that dreary hill : 
Namely, that when their king drew nigh to death, 
But still had left in him some little breath, 
They bore him to that hill, when they had slain, 
By a wild root that killed with little pain, 
His servants and his wives like as we saw, 
Thinking that thence the gods his soul would draw 
To heaven ; but the king being dead at last, 
The servants dead being taken down, they caa^t 
Into the river, but the king they hung 
Embalmed within that chapel, where they sung 
Some office over him in solemn wise. 
Amidst the smoke of plenteous sacrifice. 

Well, though wild hope no longer in us burned, 
Unto the land within awhile we turned. 
And found it much the same, and still untilled, 
And still its people of all arts unskilled ; 
And some were dangerous and some were kind ; 
But midst them no more tidings did we find 
Of what we once had deemed well-won, but now 
Was like the dream of some past kingly show. 



PROLOGUE,— THE WANDERERS. 43 

What shall I say of all these savages, 
Of these wide plains beset with unsown trees, 
Through which untamed man-fearing beasts did range ? 
To us at least there seemed but little change, 
For we were growing weary of the world. 

Whiles did we dwell ashore, whiles were we hurled 
Out to the landless ocean, whiles we lay 
Long time within some river or deep bay ; 
And so the months went by, until at last, 
When now three years were fully overpast 
Since we had left our fellows, and grown old, 
Our leaky ship along the water rolled, 
Upon a day unto a land we came 
Whose people spoke a tongue wellnigh the same 
As that our forest people used, and who 
A httle of the arts of mankind knew. 
And tilled the kind earth, certes not in vain ; 
For wealth of melons we saw there, and grain 
Strange unto us. Now battered as we were, 
Grown old before our time, in worn-out gear, 
These people, when we first set foot ashore, 
Garlands of flowers and fruits unto us bore, 
And worshipped us as gods, and for no words 
That we could say would cease to call us Lords, 
And pray our help to give them bliss and peace. 
And fruitful seasons of the earth's increase. 

Withal, at last, they, when in talk they fell 
With our good forest-folk, to them did tell 
That they were subject to a mighty king. 
Who, as they said, ruled over everything, 
And, dwelling in a glorious city, had 
All things that men desire to make them glad. 
*' He," said they, *'none the less shall be but slave 
Unto your lords, and all that he may have 
Will he but take as free gifts at their hands. 
If they will deign henceforth to bless his lands 
With their most godlike presence." 

Ye can think 
How we poor wretched souls outworn might shrink 
From such strange worship, that like mocking seemed 
To us, who of a godlike state had dreamed. 
And missed it in such wise ; yet none the less 
An earthly haven to our wretchedness 
This city seemed, therefore we 'gan to pray 
That some of them would guide us on our way, 
Which words of ours they heard most joyously. 



44 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

And brought us to their houses nigh the sea, 
And feasted us with such things as they might. 

But almost ere the ending of the night 
We started on our journey, being upborne 
In litters, like to kings, who so forlorn 
Had been erewhile ; so in some ten days' space 
They brought us nigh their king's abiding-place ; 
And as we went the land seemed fair enough. 
Though sometimes did we pass through forests rough, 
Deserts and fens, yet for the most, the way 
Through ordered villages and tilled land lay, 
Which, after all the squalid miseries 
We had beheld, seemed heaven unto our eyes. 
Though strange to us it was. 

But now when we 
From a hillside the city well could see. 
Our guides there prayed us to abide awhile. 
Wherefore we stayed, though eager to beguile 
Our downcast hearts from brooding o'er our woe 
By all the new things that abode might show ; 
So while we bided on that flowery down 
The swiftest of them sped on toward the town 
To bear them news of this unhoped-for bliss ; 
And we, who now some little happiness 
Could find in that fair place and pleasant air, 
Sat 'neath strange trees, on new flowers growing there 
Of scent unlike to those we knew of old, 
While unfamiliar tales the strange birds told. 
But certes seemed that city fair enow 
That spread out o'er the well- tilled vale below, 
Though nowise built like such as we had seen ; 
Walled with white walls it was, and gardens green 
Were set between the houses everywhere ; 
And now and then rose up a tower foursquare 
Lessening in stage on stage : with many a hue 
The house walls glowed, of red and green and blue, 
And some with gold were well adorned, and one 
From roofs of gold flashed back the noontide sun. 
Had we seen such a place not long ago 
We should have made great haste to get thereto. 
Deeming that it must be the heaven we sought. 

But now while quietly we sat, and thought 
Of many things, the gate wherein that road 
Had end was opened wide, and thereout flowed 
A glittering throng of people, young and old. 
And men and women, much adorned with gold ; 



PROLOGUE.-^ THE WANDERERS, 45 

Wherefore we rose to meet them, who stood still 

When they beheld us winding down the hill, 

And lined both sides of the gray road, but w^e 

Now drawing nigh them, first of all could see 

Old men in venerable raiment clad, 

White-bearded, who sweet flowering branches had 

In their right hands, then young men armed right well 

After their way, which now were long to tell, 

Then damsels clad in radiant gold array. 

Who with sweet-smelling blossoms strewed the way 

Before our feet, then men with gleaming swords 

And glittering robes, and crowned like mighty lords, 

And last of all, within the very gate 

The king himself, round whom our guides did wait, 

Kneeling with humble faces downward bent. 

What wonder if, as 'twixt these folk we went, 
Hearkening their singing and sweet minstrelsy, 
A little nigher seemed our heaven to be — 
Alas, a fair folk, a sweet spot of earth, 
A land where many a lovely thing has birth. 
But where all fair things come at last to die. 

Now when we three unto the king drew nigh 
Before our fellows, he, adored of all. 
Spared not before us on his knees to fall, 
And as we deemed who knew his speech but ill. 
Began to pray us to bide with him still, 
Speaking withal of some old prophecy 
Which seemed to say that there we should not die. 

What could we do amidst these splendid lords ? 
No time it was to doubt or make long words, 
Nor with a short but happy life at hand 
Durst we to ask about the perfect land. 
Though well we felt the life whereof he spoke 
Could never be among those mortal folk. 
Therefore we wayworn, disappointed men, 
So richly dowered with threescore years and ten. 
Vouchsafed to grant the king his whole request. 
Thinking within that town awhile to rest. 
And gather news about the hope that fled 
Still on before us, risen from the dead, 
From out its tomb of toil and misery. 
That held it while we saw but sea and sky. 
Or untilled lands and people void of bliss, 
And our own faces heavy with distress. 

But entering now that town, what huge delight 



46 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

We had therein ! how lovely to our sight 

Was the well-ordered life of people there, 

Who on that night within a palace fair 

Made us a feast with great solemnity, 

Till we forgot that we came there to die 

If we should leave our quest, for as great kings 

They treated us, and whatsoever things 

We asked for, or could think of, those were ours ! 

Houses we had, noble with walls and towers, 
Lovely with gardens, cooled with running streams, 
And rich with gold beyond a miser's dreams, 
And men and women slaves, whose very lives 
Were in our hands ; and fair and princely wives 
If so we would ; and all things for delight, 
Good to the taste or beautiful to sight 
The land might yield. They taught us of their law, 
The muster of their men-at-arms we saw. 
As men who owned them ; in their judgment-place 
Our lightest word made glad the pleader's face, 
And the judge trembled at our faintest frown. 

Think then, if v/e, late driven up and down 
Upon the uncertain sea, or struggling sore 
With barbarous men upon an untilled shore. 
Or, at the best, midst people ignorant 
Of arts and letters, fighting against want 
Of very food, — think if we now were glad 
From day to day, and as folk crazed and mad 
Deemed our old selves, the wanderers on the sea. 

And if at whiles midst our felicity 
We yet remembered us of that past day 
When in the long swell off the land we lay, 
Weeping for joy at our accomplished dream. 
And each to each a very god did seem, 
For fear was dead, — if we remembered this, 
Yet after all, was this our life of bhss, 
A little thing that we had gained at last ? 
And must we sorrow for the idle past. 
Or think it ill that thither we were led ? 
Thus seemed our old desire quite quenched and dead. 

You must remember, though, that we were young. 
Five years had passed since the gray fieldfare sung 
To me a dreaming youth laid 'neath the thorn, 
And though while we were wandering and forlorn 
I seemed grown old and withered suddenly, 
But twenty summers had I seen go by 



PROLOGUE.— THE WANDERERS, 47 

When I left Viken on that desperate cruise. 
But now again our wrinkles did we lose 
With memory of our ills, and like a dream 
Our fevered quest with its bad days did seem, 
And many things grew fresh again, forgot 
While in our hearts that wild desire was hot : 
Yea, though at thought of Norway we might sigh, 
Small was the pain which that sweet memory 
Brought with its images seen fresh and clear, 
And many an old familiar thing grown dear, 
We loved but little while we lived with it. 

So smoothly o'er our heads the days did flit, 
Yet not eventless either, for we taught 
Such lore as we from our own land had brought 
Unto this folk, who when they wrote must draw 
Such draughts as erst at Micklegarth I saw, 
Writ for the evil Pharaoh-kings of old ; 
Their arms were edged with copper or with gold, 
Whereof they had great plenty, or with flint ; 
No armor had they fit to bear the dint 
Of tools like ours, and little could avail 
Their archer craft ; their boats knew naught of sail, 
And many a feat of building could we show, 
Which midst their splendor still they did not know. 

And midst of all, w^ar fell upon the land. 
And in forefront of battle must we stand, 
To do our best, though little mastery 
We thought it then to make such foemen flee 
As there wx met ; but Avhen again we came 
Into the town, with something like to shame 
We took the worship of that simple folk 
Rejoicing for their freedom from the yoke 
That round about their necks had hung so long. 

For thus that war began : some monarch strong 
Conquered their land of old, and thereon laid 
A dreadfu] tribute, which they still had paid 
With tears and curses ; for as each fifth year 
Came round, this heavy shame they needs must bear*. 
Ten youths, ten maidens, must they choose by lot 
Among the fairest that they then had got, 
Who a long journey o'er the hills must go 
Unto the tyrant, nor with signs of woe 
Enter his city, but in bright array. 
And harbingered by songs and carols gay, 
Betake them to the temple of his god ; 



8 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

But when the streets their weary feet had trod 
Their wails must crown the long festivity, 
For on the golden altar must they die. 

Such was the sentence till the year we came, 
And counselled them to put away this shame 
If they must die therefor, so on that year 
Barren of blood the devil's altars were. 
Wherefore a herald clad in strange attire 
The tyrant sent them, and but blood and fire 
His best words were ; him they sent back again 
Defied by us, w^ho made his threats but vain, 
When face to face with those ill folk we stood 
Ready to seal our counsel with our blood. 

Past all belief they loved us for all this, 
And if it would have added to our bliss 
That they should die, this surely they had done ; 
So smoothly slipped the years past one by one, 
And v/e had lived and died as happy there 
As any men the laboring earth may bear, 
But for the poison of that wickedness 
That led us on God's edicts to redress. 
At first indeed death seemed so far away, 
So sweet in our new home was every day. 
That we forgot death like the most of men 
Who cannot count the threescore years and ten ; 
Yet we grew fearful as the time drew on, 
And needs must think of all we might have won, 
Yea, by so much the happier that we were 
By just so much increased on us our fear, 
And those old times of our past misery 
Seemed not so evil as the days went by 
Faster and faster with the year's increase, 
For loss of youth to us was loss of peace. 

Two gates unto the road of life there are, 
And to the happy youth both seem afar, — 
Both seem afar, so far the past one seems, 
The gate of birth, made dim with many dreams, 
Bright with remembered hopes, beset with flowers ; 
So far it seems he cannot count the hours 
That to this midway path have led him on 
Where every joy of life now seemeth won, — 
So far, he thinks not of the other gate, 
Within whose shade the ghosts of dead hopes wait 
To call upon him as he draws anear. 
Despoiled, alone, and dull with many a fear. 



PROLOGUE— THE WANDERERS, 49 

** Where is thy work ? how little thou hast done, 
Where are my friends, why art thou so alone ? " 

How shall he weigh his life ? slow goes the time 
The while the fresh dew-sprinkled hill we climb, 
Thinking of what shall be the other side, 
Slow pass perchance the minutes we abide 
On the gained summit, blinking at the sun ; 
But when the downward journey is begun 
No more our feet may loiter, past our ears 
Shrieks the harsh wind scarce noted midst our fears, 
And batthng with the hostile things we meet, 
Till, ere we know it, our weak, shrinking feet 
Have brought us to the end and all is done. 

And so with us it was, when youth twice won 
Now for the second time had passed away. 
And we unwitting were grown old and gray, 
And one by one, the death of some dear friend, 
Some cherished hope, brought to a troublous end 
Our joyous life ; as in a dawn of June 
The lover, dreaming of the brown bird's tune 
And longing lips unto his own brought near, 
Wakes up the crashing thunder-peal to hear. 
So, sirs, when this world's pleasures came to naught 
Not upon God we set our wayward thought. 
But on the folly our own hearts had made ; 
Once more the stories of the past we weighed 
With what we hitherto had found, once more 
We longed to be by some unknown far shore. 
Once more our life seemed trivial, poor, and vain, 
Till we our lost fool's paradise might gain, 
And we were like the felon doomed to die. 
Who when unto the sword he draws anigh 
Struggles and cries, though erewhile in his cell 
He heard the priest of heaven and pardon tell, 
Weeping and half-contented to be slain. 

Was I the first who thought of this again ? 
Perchance I was, but howsoe'er that be ' 

Long time I thought of these things certainly 
Ere I durst stir my fellows to the quest. 
Though secretly myself, with little rest 
For tidings of our lovely land I sought. 
Should prisoners from another folk be brought 
Unto our town, I questioned them of this ; 
I asked the wandering merchants of a bliss 
4 



50 THE EAR THE V PARADISE. 

They dreamed not of, in chaffering for their goods ; 

The hunter in the far-off lonely woods, 

The fisher in the rivers nigh the sea, 

Must tell their wild strange stories unto me. 

Within the temples books of records lay 

Such as I told of, thereon day by day 

I pored, and got long stories from the priests 

Of many -handed gods with heads of beasts. 

And such like dreariness ; and still, midst all 

Sometimes a glimmering light would seem to fall 

Upon my ignorance, and less content 

As time went on I grew, and ever went 

About my daily life distractedly. 

Until at last I felt that I must die 

Or to niy fellows tell what in me was. 

So on a day I came to Nicholas 
And trembling 'gan to tell of this and that, 
And as I spoke with downcast eyes I sat 
Fearing to see some scorn within his eyes. 
Or horror at unhappy memories ; 
But now, when mine eyes could no longer keep 
The tears from falling, he too, nigh to weep. 
Spoke out, " O Rolf, why hast thou come to me, 
Who, thinking I was happy, now must see 
That only with the ending of our breath, 
Or by that fair escape from fear and death, 
Can we forget the hope that erewhile led 
Our little band to woe and drearihead ? 
But now are we grown old, Rolf, and to-day 
Life is a little thing to cast away. 
Nor can we suffer many years of it 
If all goes wrong, so no more will I sit. 
Praying for all the things that cannot be : 
. Tell thou our fellows what thou tellest me, 
Nor fear that I will leave you in your need." 

Well, sirs, with all the rest I had such speed 
That men enough of us resolved to go 
The very bitterness of Death to know 
Or else to conquer him ; some idle tale 
With our kind hosts would plenteously avail, 
For of our quest we durst not tell them aught, 
Since something more than doubt was in our thought, 
Though unconfessed, that we should fail at last, 
Nor had we quite forgot our perils past. 

Alas ! can weak men hide such thoughts as these ? 



PROLOGUE. — THE WANDERERS. 

I think the summer wmd that bows the trees 
Through which the dreamer wandereth muttering 
Will bear abroad some knowledge of the thing 
That so consumes him ; howsoe'er that be, 
We, born to drink the dregs of misery, 
Found in the end that some one knew our aim. 

For while we weighed the chances of the game 
That we must play, nor yet knew what to shun, 
Or what to do, there came a certain one, 
A young man strange within the place, to me, 
Who, swearing me at first to secrecy. 
Began to tell me of the hoped-for land. 
The trap I saw not, with a shaking hand 
And beating heart, unto the notes of years 
I turned, long parchments blotted with my tears, 
And tremulously read them out aloud ; 
But still, because the hurrying thoughts would crowd 
My whirling brain, scarce heard the words 1 read. 
Yet in the end it seemed that what he said 
Tallied with that, heaped up so painfully. 

Now hsten !; this being done, he said to me, 
''O godlike Eastern man, believest thou 
That I who look so young and ruddy now 
Am very old ? because in sooth I come 
To seek thee and to lead thee to our home 
With all thy fellows. But if thou dost not, 
Come now with me, for nigh unto this spot 
My brother, left behind, an ancient man 
Now dwelleth, but as gray-haired, weak, and wan 
As I am fresh ; of me he doth not know. 
So surely shall our speech together show 
The truth of this my message/' " Yea," said I, 
" I doubt thee not, yet would I certainly 
Hear the old man talk if he liveth yet. 
That I a clearer tale of this may set 
Before my fellows ; come then, lead me there." 

Thus easily I fell into the snare ; 
For as along the well-known streets we went. 
An old hoar man there met us, weak and bent, 
Who staying us, the while with age he shook, 
My lusty fellow by the shoulder took. 
And said, " O stranger, canst thou be the son, 
Or but the younger double of such an one. 
Who dwelt once in the weaver's street hereby ? " 

But the young man looked on him lovingly, 
And said, " O certes, thou art now grown old 



51 



52 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

That thou thy younger brother canst behold 
And call him stranger." *' Yea, yea, old, enow," 
The other said, " what fables talkest thou ? 
My brother has but three years less than I, 
Nor dealeth time with men so marvellously 
That he should seem like twenty, I fourscore : 
Thou art my nephew, let the jest pass o'er. " 

" Nay," said he, *'but it is not good to talk 
Here in the crowded street, so let us walk 
Unto thine habitation ; dost thou mind, 
When we were boys, how once we chanced to find 
That crock of copper money hid away 
Up in the loft, and how on that same day 
We bought this toy and that, thou a short sword 
And I a brazen boat ? " 

But at that word 
The old man wildly on him 'gan to stare 
And said no more, the while we three did fare 
Unto his house, but there we being alone, 
Many undoubted signs the younger one 
Gave to his brother, saying withal, that he 
Had gained the land of all felicity, 
Where, after trials then too long to tell, 
The slough of grisly eld from off him fell, 
And left him strong, and fair, and young again ; 
Neither from that time had he suffered pain 
Greater or less, or feared at all to die : 
And though, he said, he knew not certainly 
If he should live forever, this he knew, 
His days should not be full of pain and few 
As most men's lives were. Now when asked why he 
Had left his home, a deadly land to see. 
He said that people's chiefs had sent him there 
Moved by report that tall men, white and fair. 
Like to the Gods, had come across the sea 
Of whom old seers had told that they should be 
Lords of that land, therefore his charge was this, 
To lead us forth to that abode of bliss. 
But secretly, since for the other folk 
They were as beasts to toil beneath the yoke, 
*' But," said he, *' brother, thou shalt go with me, 
If now at last no doubt be left in thee 
Of who I am.'' 

At that, to end it all 
The weak old man upon his neck did fall. 
Rejoicing for his lot with many tears : 



PROLOGUE.-- THE WANDERERS, 53 

But I, rejoicing too, yet felt vagiie fears 
Within my heart, for now almost too nigh 
We seemed to that long-sought felicity. 
What should I do though ? What could it avail 
Unto these men, to make a feigned tale ? 
Besides in all no faltering could I find, 
Nor did they go beyond, or fall behind, 
What in such cases such like men would do, 
Therefore I needs must think their story true. 

So now unto my fellows did I go 
And all things in due order straight did show, 
And had the man who told the tale at hand ; 
Of whom some made great question of the land, 
And where it was, and how he found it first ; 
And still he answered boldly to the worst 
Of all their questions : then from out the place 
He went, and we were left there face to face. 

And joy it was to see the dark cheeks, tanned 
By many a summer of that fervent land. 
Flush up with joy, and see the gray eyes gleam 
Through the dull film of years, as that sweet dream 
Flickered before them, now grown real and true. 

But when the certainty of all we knew. 
Dreaming for sure our quest would not be vain, 
We got us ready for the sea again. 
But to the city's folk we told no more 
Than that we needs must make for some far shore, 
Whence we would come again to them, and bring. 
For them and us, full many a wished-for thing 
To make them glad. 

Then answered they indeed 
That our departing made their hearts to bleed. 
But with no long words prayed us still to stay, 
And I remembered me of that past day, 
And somewhat grieved I felt, that so it was : 
Not thinking how the deeds of men must pass. 
And their remembrance as their bodies die. 
Or, if their memories fade not utterly. 
Like curious pictures shall they be at best. 
For men to gaze at while they sit at rest. 
Talking of alien things and feasting well. 

Ah me ! I loiter, being right loath to tell 
The things that happened to us in the end. 
Down to the noble river did we wend 
Where lay the ships we taught these folk to make, 



54 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

And there the fairest of them did we take 

And so began our voyage ; thirty-three 

Were left of us, who erst had crossed the sea, 

Five of the forest people, and beside 

None but the fair young man, our new-found guide, 

And his old brother ; setting sail with these 

We left astern our gilded palaces 

And all the good things God had given us there 

With small regret, however good they were. 

Well, in twelve days our vessel reached the sea, 
When turning round we ran on northerly 
In sight of land at whiles ; what need to say 
How the time passed from hopeful day to day ? 
Suffice it that the wind was fair and good. 
And we most joyful, as still north we stood ; 
Until when we a month at sea had been, 
And for six days no land at all had seen, 
We sighted it once more, whereon our guide 
Shouted, " O fellows, lay all fear aside, 
This is the land whereof I spake to you." 
But when the happy tidings all men knew, 
Trembling and pale we watched the land grow great, 
And when above the waves the noontide heat 
Had raised a vapor ^twixt us and the land 
That afternoon, we saw a high ness stand 
Out in the sea, and nigher when we came, 
And all the sky with sunset was aflame, 
^Neath the dark hill we saw a city lie. 
Washed by the waves, girt round with ramparts high. 

A little nigher yet, and then our guide 
Bade us to anchor, lowering from our side 
The sailless keel wherein he erst had come, 
Through many risks, to bring us to his home. 
But when our eager hands this thing had done. 
He and his brother gat therein alone. 
But first he said, "Abide here till the morn. 
And when ye hear the sound of harp and horn, 
And varied music, run out every oar. 
Up anchor, and make boldly for the shore. 
O happy men ! wellnigh do I regret 
That I am not as you, to whom as yet 
That moment past all moments is unknown. 
When first unending life to you is shown. 
But now I go, that all in readiness 
May be, your souls with this delight to bless." 

He waved farewell to us and went, but we, 



PROLOGUE, — THE WANDERERS, 55 

As the niglit grew, beheld across the sea 

Lights moving on the quays, and now and then 

We heard the chanting of the outland men. 

How can I tell of that strange troublous night, 

Troublous and strange, though 'neath the moonshine white, 

Peace seemed upon the sea, the glimmering town, 

The shadows of the tree-besprinkled dowm. 

The moveless devi^ folds of our loose sail ? 

But how could these for peace to us avail ? 

Weary with longing, blind with great amaze, 
We struggled now with past and future days ; 
And not in vain our former joy we thought, 
Since thirty years our wandering feet had brought 
To this at last, — and yet, what will you have ? 
Can man be made content ? We wished to save 
The bygone years ; our hope, our painted toy, 
We feared to miss, drowned in that sea of joy. 
Old faces still reproached us : '' We are gone, 
And ye are entering into bliss alone ; 
And can ye now forget ? Year passes year. 
And still ye live on joyous, free from fear ; 
But where are we ? where is the memory 
Of us, to whorti ye once were drawn so nigh ? 
Forgetting and alone ye enter in ; 
Remembering all, alone we wail our sin. 
And cannot touch you.^' — Ah, the blessed pain ! 
When heaven just gained was scarcely all a gain. 
How could we weigh that boundless treasure then, 
Or count the sorrows of the sons of men ? 
Ah, woe is me to think upon that night ! 

Day came, and with the dawming of the light 
We were astir, and from our deck espied 
The people clustering by the water-side, 
As if to meet us ; then across the sea 
We heard great horns strike up triumphantly, 
And then scarce knowing what we did, we weighed 
And mnning out the oars for shore we made. 
With banners fluttering out from yard and mast. 

We reached the well-built marble quays at last. 
Crowded with folk, and in the front of these 
There stood our guide, decked out -with braveries, 
Holding his feeble brother by the hand. 
Then speechless, trembling, did we now take land, 
Leaving all woes behind, but when our feet 
The happy soil of that blest land did meet, 



56 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Fast fell our tears, as on a July day 

The thunder-shower falls pattering on the way, 

And certes some one w^e desired to bless. 

But scarce knew whom midst all our thankfulness. 

Now the crowd opened, and an ordered band 
Of youths and damsels, flowering boughs in hand, 
Came forth to meet us, just as long ago, 
When first we won some rest from pain and woe, 
Except that now eld chained not any one, 
No man was wrinkled but ourselves alone. 
But smooth and beautiful, bright-eyed and glad, 
Were all we saw, in fair thin raiment clad 
Fit for the sunny place. 

But now our friend, 
Our guide, who brought us to this glorious end, 
Led us amidst that band, who 'gan to sing 
Some hymn of welcome, midst whose carolling 
Faint-hearted men we must have been indeed 
To doubt that all was won ; nor did we heed 
That, when we well were gotten from the quay, 
Armed men went past us, by the very way 
That we had come, nor thought of their intent, 
For armor unto us was ornament. 
And had been now, for many peaceful years, 
Since bow and axe had dried the people's tears. 

Let all that pass — with song and minstrelsy 
Through many streets they led us, fair to see, 
For nowhere did we meet maimed, poor, or old. 
But all were young and clad in silk and gold. 
Like a king's court the common ways did seem 
On that fair morn of our accomplished dream. 

Far did we go, through market-place and square. 
Past fane and palace, till a temple fair 
We came to, set aback midst towering trees, 
But raised above the tallest of all these. 
So there we entered through a brazen gate, 
And all the thronging folk without did wait, 
Except the golden-clad melodious band. 
But when within the precinct we did stand. 
Another rampart girdled round the fane, 
And that being past another one again, 
And small space was betwixt them, all these three 
Of white stones, laid in wondrous masonry 
Were builded, but the fourth we now passed through 
Was half of white and half of ruddy hue ; 
Nor did we reach the temple through this one, 



PROLOGUE,— THE WANDERERS, 57 

For now a fifth wall came, of dark red stone 
With golden coping and wide doors of gold ; 
And this being past, our eyes could then behold 
The marvellous temple, foursquare, rising high 
In stage on stage up toward the summer sky, 
Like the unfinished tower that Nimrod built 
Before the concord of the world was spilt. 

So now we came into the lowest hall, 
A mighty way across from wall to wall. 
Where carven pillars held a gold roof up, 
And silver walls, fine as an Indian cup, 
With figures monstrous as a dream were wrought, 
And underfoot the floor beyond all thought 
Was wonderful, for like the tumbling sea 
Beset with monsters did it seem to be ; 
But in the midst a pool of ruddy gold 
Caught in its weaves a glittering fountain cold. 
And through the bright shower of its silver spray 
Dimly we saw the high raised da'is, gay 
With wondrous hangings, for high up and small 
The windows were within the dreamlike hall ; 
Betwixt the pillars wandered damsels fair 
Crooning low songs, or filling all the air 
With incense wafted to strange images 
That made us tremble, since we saw in these 
The devils unto whom we now must cry 
Ere we began our new felicity ; 
Nathless no altars did we see but one 
Which dimly from before the dais shone 
Built of green stone, with horns of copper bright. 

Now when we entered from the outer light 
And all the scents of the fresh day were past. 
With its sweet breezes, a dull shade seemed cast 
Over our joy ; what then ? not if we would 
Could we turn back — and surely all was good. 

But now they brought us vestments rich and fair, 
And bade us our own raiment put off there. 
Which straight we did, and with a hollow sound 
Like mournful bells our armor smote the ground, 
And damsels took the weapons from our hands 
That might have gleamed with death in other lands, 
And won us praise ; at last when all was done, 
And brighter than the Kaiser each man shone. 
Us unarmed helpless men the music led 
Up to the dais, and there our old guide said 
' ' Rest, happy men, the time will not be long 



58 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Ere they will bring with incense, dance, and song 
The sacred cup, your life and happiness, 
And many a time this fair hour shall ye bless." 

Alas, sirs ! words are weak to tell of it^ 
I seemed to see a smile of mockery flit 
Across his face as from our thrones he turned. 
And in my heart a sudden fear there burned, 
The last, I said, for ever and a day ; 
But even then with harsh and ominous bray 
A trumpet through the monstrous pillars rung, 
And to our feet with sudden fear we sprung ; — 
Too late, too late ! for through all doors did stream 
Armed men, that filled the place with clash and gleam, 
And when the dull sound of their moving feet 
Was still, a fearful sight our eyes did meet, 
A fearful sight to us — old men and gray 
Betwixt the bands of soldiers took their way, 
And at their head in wonderful attire, 
Holding within his hand a pot of fire. 
Moved the false brother of the traitorous guide. 
Who with bowed head walked ever by his side ; 
But as anigh the elders 'gan to draw, 
We, almost turned to stone by what we saw, 
Heard the old man say to the younger one, 
*' Speak to them that thou knowest, O fair Son ! " 

Then the wretch said, " O ye, who sought to find 
Unending life against the law of kind, 
Within this land, fear ye not now too much. 
For no man's hand your bodies here shall touch. 
But rather with all reverence folk shall tend 
Your daily hves, until at last they end 
By slow decay : and ye shall pardon us 
The trap whereby beings made so glorious 
As ye are made, we drew unto this place. 
Rest ye content then ! for although your race 
Comes from the gods, yet are ye conquered here, 
As we would conquer them, if we knew where 
They dwell from day to day, and with what arms 
We, overcoming them, might win such charms 
That we might make the world what ye desire. 

*' Rest then at ease, and if ye e'er shall tire 
Of this abode, remember at the worst 
Life flitteth, whether it be blessed or cursed. 
But will ye tire ? ye are our gods on earth 
Whiles that ye live, nor shall your lives lack mirth. 



PROLOGUE,— THE WANDERERS, 59 

For song, fair women, and heart-cheering wine 
The chain of solemn days sliall here intwine 
With odorous flowers ; ah, surely ye are come, 
When all is said, unto an envied home." 

Like an old dream, dreamed in another dream, 
I hear his voice now, see the hopeless gleam. 
Through the dark place of that thick wood of spears. 
That fountain's splash rings yet within mine ears 
I thought the fountain of eternal youth, — 
Yet I can scarce remember in good truth 
What then I felt : I should have felt as he, 
Who, waking after some festivity 
Sees a dim land, and things unspeakable, 
And comes to know at last that it is hell, — 
I cannot tell you, nor can tell you why 
Driven by what hope, I cried my battle cry 
And rushed upon him ; this I know indeed 
My naked hands were good to me at need, 
That sent the traitor to his due reward, 
Ere I was dragged off by the hurrying guard, 
Who spite of all used neither sword nor spear, 
Nay, as it seemed, touched us with awe and fear. 
Though at the last grown all too weak to strive 
They brought us to the dais scarce alive, 
And changed our tattered robes again, and there 
Bound did we sit, each in his golden chair. 
Beholding many mummeries that they wrought 
About the altar ; till at last they brought, 
Crowned with fair flowers, and clad in robes of gold, 
The folk that from the wood we won of old — ■ 
Why make long words ? before our very eyes 
Our friends they slew, a fitting sacrifice 
To us their new -gained gods, who sought to find 
Within that land, a people just and kind 
Who could not die, or take away the breath 
From living men. 

What thing but that same death 
Had we left now to hope for ? death must come 
And find us somewhere an enduring home. 
Will grief kill men, as some folk think it will ? 
Then are we of all men most hard to kill. 
The time went past, the dreary days went by 
In dull unvarying round of misery. 
Nor can I tell if it went fast or slow, 
What would it profit you the time to know 



! 



6o THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

That we spent there ; all I can say to you 

Is, that no hope our prison wall shone through, 

That ever we were guarded carefully, 

While day and dark and dark and day went by 

Like such a dream, as in the early night 

The sleeper wakes from in such sore affright, 

Such panting horror, that to sleep again 

He will not turn, to meet such shameful pain. 

Lo such were we, but as we hoped before 
Where no hope was, so now, when all seemed o'er 
But sorrow for our lives so cast away, 
Again the bright sun brought about the day. 

At last the temple's dull monotony 
Was broke by noise of armed men hurrying by 
Within the precinct, and we seemed to hear 
Shouts from without of anger and of fear, 
And noises as of battle ; and red blaze 
The night sky showed ; this lasted through two days. 
But on the third our guards were whispering 
Pale-faced, as though they feared some coming thing. 
And when the din increased about noontide. 
No longer there with us would they abide, 
But left us free ; judge then if our hearts beat, 
When any pain or death itself was sweet 
To hideous life within that wicked place. 
Where every day brought on its own disgrace. 

Few words betwixt us passed, we knew indeed 
Where our old armor once so good at need 
Hung up as relics nigh the altar-stead, 
Thither we hurried, and from heel to head 
Soon were we armed, and our old spears and swords 
Clashing 'gainst steel and stone, spoke hopeful words 
To us, the children of a warrior race. 
But round unto the hubbub did we face 
And through the precinct strove to make our way 
Set close together ; in besmirched array 
Some met us, and sonie wounded very sore, 
And some who wounded men to harbor bore ; 
But these, too busy with their pain or woe 
To note us much, unchallenged let us go ; 
Then here and there we passed some shrinking maid 
In a dark corner trembling and afraid. 
But eager for the news about the fight. 
Through trodden gardens then we came in sight 
Of the third rampart that begirt the fane, 



PROLOGUE,^ THE WANDERERS, 6i 

Which now the foemen seemed at point to gain, 

For o'er the wall the ladders 'gan to show, 

And huge confusion was there down below 

'Twixt wall and wall ; but as the gate we passed 

A man from out the crowd came hurrying fast, 

But, drawing nigh us, stopped short suddenly. 

And cried, " O masters, help us or we die ! 

This impious people 'gainst their ancient lords 

Have turned, and in their madness drawn their swords. 

Yea, and they now prevail, and fearing not 

The dreadful gods still grows their wrath more hot. 

Wherefore to bring you here was my intent. 

But the kind gods themselves your hands have sent 

To save us all, and this fair holy house 

With your strange arms, and hearts most valorous. " 

No word we said, for even as he spoke 
A frightful clamor from the wall outbroke, 
As the thin line of soldiers thereupon 
Crushed back, and broken, left the rampart won, 
And leapt and tumbled therefrom as they could, 
While in their place the conquering foemen stood : 
Then the weak, wavering, huddled crowd below 
Their weight upon the inner wall 'gan throw, 
And at the narrow gates by hundreds died ; 
For not long did the enemy abide 
On the gained rampart, but by every way 
Got to the ground and 'gan all round to slay, 
Till great and grim the slaughter grew to be. 
But we well pleased our tyrants' end to see 
Still firm against the inner wall did stand. 
While round us surged the press on either hand. 
Nor did we fear, for what was left of life 
For us to fear for ? so at last the strife 
Drawn inward, in that place did much abate, 
And we began to move unto the gate 
Betwixt the dead and living, and these last 
Ever with fearful glances by us passed 
Nor hindered aught ; but mindful of the lore 
Our fathers gained on many a bloody shore. 
We, when unto the street we made our way, 
Moved as in fight nor broke our close array. 
Though no man harmed us of the troubled crowd 
That thronged the streets with shouts and curses loud, 
But rather when our clashing arms they heard 
Their hubbub lulled, and they as men afeard 
Drew back before us. 



62 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

Well, as nigh we drew 
Unto the sea, the men showed sparse and few, 
Though frightened women standing in the street 
Before their doors we did not fail to meet. 
And passed by folk who at their doors laid down 
Men wounded in the fight ; so through the town 
We reached the unguarded water-gate at last, 
And there, nigh weeping, saw the green waves cast 
Against the quays, whereby five tall ships lay : 
For in that devil's house, right many a day 
Had passed with all its dull obscenity 
We counted not, and while we longed to die, 
And by all miCn were now forgotten quite 
Except those priests, the people as they might 
Made ships like ours ; in whose new handiwork 
Few mariners and fearful now did lurk, 
And these soon fled before us, therefore we 
Stayed not to think, but running hastily 
Down the lone quay, seized on the nighest ship, 
Nor yet till we had let the hawser slip 
Dared we be glad, and then indeed once more, 
Though we no longer hoped for our fair shore, 
Our past disgrace, worse than the very hell, 
Though hope was dead, made things seem more than well, 
For if we died that night, yet were we free. 

Ah ! with what joy we sniffed the fresh salt sea. 
After the musky odors of that place ; 
With what delight each felt upon his face 
The careless wind, our master and our slave. 
As through the green seas fast from shore we drave, 
Scarce witting where we went. 

But now when we 
Beheld that city, far across the sea, 
A thing gone past, nor any more could hear 
The mingled shouts of victory and of fear. 
From out the midst thereof shot up a fire 
In a long, wavering, murky, smoke-capped spire 
That still with every minute wider grew, 
So that the ending of the place we knew 
Where we had passed such days of misery, 
And still more glad turned round unto the sea. 

My tale grows near its ending, for we stood 
Southward to our kind folk e'en as we could, 
But made slow way, for ever heavily 
Our ship sailed, and she often needs must lie 



PROLOGUE.— THE WANDERERS. 63 

At anchor in some bay, the while with fear 
Ourselves, we followed up the fearful deer, 
Or filled our water-vessels, for indeed. 
Of meat and drink were we in bitter need. 
As well might be, for scarcely could we choose 
What ships from off that harbor to cast loose. 

Midst this there died the captain, Nicholas, 
Whom, though he brought us even to this pass, 
I loved the most of all men ; even now 
When that seems long past, I can scarce tell how 
I bear to live, since he could live no more. 
Certes he took our failure very sore. 
And often do I think he fain had died, 
But yet for very love must needs abide 
A little while, and yet awhile again. 
As though to share the utmost of our pain, 
And miss the ray of comfort and sweet rest 
Wherewith ye end our long disastrous quest, — 
A drearier place than ever heretofore 
The world seemed, as from that far nameless shore 
We turned and left him 'neath the trees to bide ; 
For midst our rest worn out at last he died. 

And such seemed like to hap to us as well, 
If any harder thing to us befell 
Than was our common life ; and still we talked 
How our old friends would meet men foiled, and balked 
Of all the things that were to make them glad ; 
Ah, sirs ! no sight of them henceforth we had ; 
A wind arose, which blowing furiously 
Drove us out helpless to the open sea ; 
Eight days it blew, and when it fell, we lay 
Leaky, dismasted, a most helpless prey 
To winds and waves, and with but Uttle food ; 
Then with hard toil a feeble sail and rude 
We rigged up somehow, and nigh hopelessly, 
Expecting death, we staggered o'er the sea 
For ten days more, but when all food and. drink 
Were gone for three days, and we needs must think 
That in mid-ocean we were doomed to die, 
One morn again did land before us lie ; 
And we rejoiced, as much at least as he, 
Who tossing on his bed deliriously. 
Tortured with pain, hears the physician say 
That he shall have one quiet, painless day 
Before he dies. — What more ? we soon did stand 
In this your peaceful and delicious land 



64 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

Amongst the simple kindly country folk, 
But when I heard the language that they spoke, 
From out my heart a joyous cry there burst, 
So sore for friendly words was I athirst, 
And I must fall a- weeping, to have come 
To such a place that seemed a blissful home, 
After the tossing from rough sea to sea ; 
So weak at last, so beaten down were we. 

What shall I say in these kind people's praise 
Who treated us like brothers for ten days. 
Till with their tending we grew strong again. 
And then withal in country cart and wain 
Brought us unto this city where we are ; 
May God be good to them for all their care. 

And now, sirs, all our wanderings have ye heard, 
And all our story to the utmost word ; 
And here hath ending all our foolish quest, 
Not at the worst if hardly at the best. 
Since ye are good. — Sirs, we are old and gray 
Before our time ; in what coin shall we pay 
For this your goodness ? take it not amiss 
That we, poor souls, must pay you back for this 
As good men pay back God, who, raised above 
The heavens and earth, yet needeth earthly love. 



The Elder of the City. 

O friends, content you ! this is much indeed, 
And we are paid, thus garnering for our need 
Your blessings only, bringing in their train 
God's blessings as the south wind brings the rain. 
And for the rest, no little thing shall be 
(Since ye through all yet keep your memory) 
The gentle music of the bygone years, 
Long past to us with all their hopes and fears. 
Think, if the gods, who mayhap love us well, 
Sent to our gates some ancient chronicle 
Of that sweet unforgotten land long left. 
Of all the lands wherefrom we now are reft, — 
Think, with what joyous hearts, what reverence. 
What songs, what sweet flowers, we should bring it thence. 
What images would guard it, what a shrine 
Above its well-loved black and white should shine ! 
How should it pay our labor day by day 
To look upon the fair place where it lay ; 



PROLOGUE,— THE WANDERERS, 65 

With what rejoicings even should we take 
Each well-writ copy that the scribes might make. 
And bear them forth to hear the peoi3le's shout, 
E'en as good rulers' children are borne out 
To take the people's blessing on their birth, 
When all the city falls to joy and mirth. 

Such, sirs, are ye, our living chronicle, 
And scarce can we be grieved at what befell 
Your lives in that too hopeless quest of yours, 
Since it shall bring us wealth of happy hours 
Whiles that we live, and to our sons, delight, 
And their sons' sons. 

But now, sirs, let us go, 
That we your new abodes with us may show, 
And tell you what your life henceforth may be, 
But poor, alas ! to that ye hoped to see. 



66 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 



nrHINK^ listener^ that I had the luck to standi 
J- Azvhile ago, within afloivery land^ 
Fair beyond words ; that thence I brought aivay 
So?ne blossofns that before my footsteps lay. 
Not plucked by me, not aver -fresh or bright ; 
Yet, since they 7ninded me of that delight. 
Within the pages of this book I laid 
Their te7ider petals, there in peace to fade. 
Dry are they now, and void of all their scent 
And lovely color, yet what 07tce was meant 
By these dull stai^is, some men may yet descry 
As dead upon the quivering leaves they lie. 

Behold theni he7''e, and modi me if you willy 
But yet believe no scojyt of men can kill 
My love of that fair land wherefroin they came. 
Where midst the grass their petals once did flame. 

Moreover, since that land, as ye shoidd knozv. 
Bears 7iot alone the gems for siLmfne7'''s show. 
Or gold and pearls for fresh greeji-coated spring. 
Or rich adorn7nent for the flickeri7ig wi7tg 
Of fleeti7ig autit77i7t, but hath little fear 
For the white co7ique7'or of the fruitful year. 
So in these pages 7no7tth by 7no7ith I show 
Some portion of the flowers that erst did blow 
l7i lovely meadows of the varyi7tg la7td, 
Wherei7t erewhile I had the luck to stand. 



MARCH. 



SLAYER of the winter, art thou here again ? 
O welcome, thou tliat bring'st the summer nigh ! 
The bitter wind makes not thy victory vain, 
Nor will we mock thee for thy faint blue sky. 
Welcome, O March ! whose kindly days and dry 
Make April ready for the throstle's song. 
Thou first redresser of the winter's wrong ! 

Yea, welcome March ! and though I die ere June, 
Yet for the hope of life I give thee praise, 
Striving to swell the burden of the tune 
That even now I hear thy brown birds raise, 
Unmindful of the past or coming days ; 
Who sing : *' O joy ! a new year is begun : 
What happiness to look upon the sun ! " 

Ah, what begetteth all this storm of bliss 
But Death himself, who, crying solemnly. 
E'en from the heart of sweet Forgetfulness, 
Bids us " Rejoice, lest pleasureless ye die. 
Within a little time must ye go by. 
Stretch forth your open hands, and while ye live 
Take all the gifts that Death and Life may give." 



BEHOLD once more within a quiet land 
The remnant of that once aspiring band. 
With all hopes fallen away, but such as light 
The sons of men to that unfailing night. 
That death they needs must look on face to face. 

Time passed, and ever fell the days apace 
From off the new-strung chaplet of their life ; 
Yet though the ^ime with no bright deeds was rife, 
Though no fulfilled desire now made them glad. 
They were not quite unhappy, rest they had, 



8 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

And with their hope their fear had passed away ; 
New things and strange they saw from day to day ; 
Honored they were, and had no lack of things 
For which men crouch before the feet of kings, 
And, stripped of honor, yet may fail to have. 

Therefore their latter journey to the grave 
Was like those days of later autumn-tide, 
When he who in some town may chance to bide 
Opens the window for the balmy air. 
And seeing the golden hazy sky so fair, 
And from some city garden hearing still 
The wheeling rooks the air with music fill. 
Sweet hopeful music, thinketh. Is this spring, 
Surely the year can scarce be perishing ? 
But then he leaves the clamor of the town, 
And sees the withered scanty leaves fall down. 
The half- ploughed field, the flowerless garden-plot, 
The dark full stream by summer long forgot. 
The tangled hedges where, relaxed and dead, 
The twining plants their withered berries shed, 
And feels therewith the treachery of the sun. 
And knows the pleasant time is wellnigh done. 

In such St. Luke's short summer lived these men, 
Nearing the goal of threescore years and ten ; 
The elders of the town their comrades were, 
And they to them were waxen now as dear 
As ancient men to ancient men can be ; 
Grave matters of belief and polity 
They spoke of oft, but not alone of these ; 
For in their times of idleness and ease 
They told of poets' vain imaginings. 
And memories vague of half-forgotten things, 
Not true or false, but sweet to think upon. 

For nigh the time when first that land they won, 
When new-born March made fresh the hopeful air, 
The wanderers sat within a chamber fair. 
Guests of that city's rulers, when the day 
Far from the sunny noon had fallen away ; 
The sky grew dark, and on the window-pane 
They heard the beating of the sudden rain. 
Then, all being satisfied with plenteous feast. 
There spoke an ancient man, the land's chief priest, 
Who said, *' Dear guests, the year begins to-day. 
And fain are we, before it pass away. 
To hear some tales of that now altered world. 



MARCH. 69 

Wherefrom our fathers in old time were hurled 
By the hard hands of fate and destiny. 
Nor would ye hear perchance unwillingly 
How we have dealt with stories of the land 
Wherein the tombs of our forefathers stand : 
Wherefore henceforth two solemn feasts shall be 
In every month, at which some history 
Shall crown our joyance ; and this day, indeed, 
I have a story ready for our need. 
If ye will hear it, though perchance it is 
That many things therein are writ amiss. 
This part forgotten, that part grown too great, 
For these things, too, are in the hands of fate." 

They cried aloud for joy to hear him speak, 
And as again the sinking sun did break 
Through the dark clouds and blazed adown the hall, 
His clear, thin voice upon their ears did fall. 
Telling a tale of times long passed away. 
When men might cross a kingdom in a day. 
And kings remembered they should one day die, 
And all folk dwelt in great simplicity. 



ATALANTA'S RACE 



ARGUMENT. 

Atalanta, daughter of King Schoeneus, not willing to lose her virgin's 
estate, made it a law to all suitors that they should run a race with her 
in the public place, and if they failed to overcome her should die unre- 
venged ; and thus many brave men perished. At last came Milanion, 
the son of Amphidamas, who, outrunning her with the help of Venus, 
gained the virgin and wedded her. 

THROUGH thick Arcadian woods a hunter went, 
Following the beasts up, on a fresh spring day ; 
But since his horn-tipped bow, but seldom bent, 
Now at the noon-tide naught had happed to slay, 
Within a vale he called his hounds away, 
Hearkening the echoes of his lone voice cling 
About the cliffs and through the beech-trees ring. 

But when they ended, still awhile he stood, 
And but the sweet familiar thrush could hear. 
And all the day-long noises of the wood. 
And o'er the dry leaves of the vanished year 
His hounds' feet pattering as they drew anear, 
And heavy breathing from their heads low hung, 
To see the mighty cornel bow unstrung. 

Then smiling did he turn to leave the place. 
But with his first step some new fleeting thought 
A shadow cast across his sunburnt face ; 
I think the golden net that April brought 
From some warm world his wavering soul had caught ; 
For, sunk in vague sweet longing, did he go 
Betwixt the trees with doubtful steps and slow. 

Yet howsoever slow he went, at last 
The trees grew sparser, and the wood was done ; 
Whereon one farewell, backward look he cast, 
Then, turning round to see what place was won. 
With shaded eyes looked underneath the sun, 



ATALANTA'S RACE, 71 

And o'er green meads and new-turned furrows brown 
Beheld the gleaming of King Schoeneus' town. 

So thitherward he turned, and on each side 
The folk were busy on the teeming land, 
And man and maid from the brown furrows cried, 
Or midst the newly blossomed vines did stand, 
And as the rustic weapon pressed the hand 
Thought of the nodding of the well-filled ear. 
Or how the knife the heavy bunch should shear. 

Merry it was : about him sung the birds, 
The spring flowers bloomed along the firm dry road, 
The sleek-skinned mothers of the sharp-horned herds 
Now for the barefoot milking-maidens lowed ; 
While from the freshness of his blue abode, 
Glad his death-bearing arrows to forget, 
The broad sun blazed, nor scattered plagues as yet 

Through such fair things unto the gates he came, 
And found them open, as though peace were there ; 
Wherethrough; unquestioned of his race or name, 
He entered, and along the streets 'gan fare. 
Which at the first of folk were wellnigh bare ; 
But pressing on, and going more hastily, 
Men hurrying too he 'gan at last to see. 

Following the last of these, he still pressed on. 
Until an open space he came unto. 
Where wreaths of fame had oft been lost and won. 
For feats of strength folk there were wont to do. 
And now our hunter looked for something new. 
Because the whole wide space was bare, and stilled 
The high seats were, with eager people filled. 

There with the others to a seat he gat. 
Whence he beheld a broidered canopy, 
'Neath which in fair array King Schoeneus sat 
Upon his throne with councillors thereby ; 
And underneath this well-wrought seat and high. 
He saw a golden image of the sun, 
A silver image of the Fleet-foot One. 

A. brazen altar stood beneath their feet 
Whereon a thin flame flickered in the wind ; 
Nigh this a herald clad in raiment meet 



72 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Made ready even now his horn to wind, 
By whom a huge man held a sword, intwined 
With yellow flowers ; these stood a little space 
From off the altar, nigh the starting-place. 

And there two runners did the sign abide 
Foot set to foot, — a young man slim and fair, 
Crisp-haired, well-knit, with firm limbs often tried 
In places where no man his strength may spare ; 
Dainty his thin coat was, and on his hair 
A golden circlet of renown he wore. 
And in his hand an olive garland bore. 

But on this day with whom shall he contend j; 
A maid stood by him like Diana clad 
When in the woods she lists her bow to bend, 
Too fair for one to look on and be glad, 
Who scarcely yet has thirty summers had, 
If he must still behold her from afar ; 
Too fair to let the world live free from war. 

She seemed all earthly matters to forget ; 
Of all tormenting lines her face was clear, 
Her vidde gray eyes upon the goal were set 
Calm and unmoved as though no soul were near, 
But her foe trembled as a man in fear. 
Nor from her loveliness one moment turned 
His anxious face with fierce desire that burned. 

Now through the hush there broke the trumpet's clang 
Just as the setting sun made eventide. 
Then from light feet a spurt of dust there sprang, 
And swiftly were they running side by side ; 
But silent did the thronging folk abide 
Until the turning-post was reached at last. 
And round about it still abreast they passed. 

But when the people saw how close they ran, 
When half-way to the starting-point they were, 
A cry of joy broke forth, whereat the man 
Headed the white-foot runner, and drew near 
Unto the veiy end of all his fear ; 
And scarce his straining feet the ground could feel. 
And bliss unhoped for o'er his heart 'gan steal. 

But midst the loud victorious shouts he heard 



ATALANTA'S RACE, 73 

Her footsteps drawing nearer, and the sound 
Of fluttering raiment, and thereat afeard 
His flushed and eager face he turned around, 
And even then he felt her past him bound 
Fleet as the wind, but scarcely saw her there 
Till on the goal she laid her fingers fair. 

There stood she breathing like a little child 
Amid some warlike clamor laid asleep, 
For no victorious joy her red lips smiled. 
Her cheek its wonted freshness did but keep ; 
No glance lit up her clear gray eyes and deep, 
Though some divine thought softened all her face 
As once more rang the trumpet through the place. 

But her late foe stopped short amidst his course, 
One moment gazed upon her piteously. 
Then wdth a groan his lingering feet did force 
To leave the spot whence he her eyes could see ; 
And, changed like one who knows his time must be 
But short and bitter, without any word 
He knelt before the bearer of the sword ; 

Then high rose up the gleaming deadly blade, 
Bared of its flowers, and through the crowded place 
Was silence now, and midst of it the maid 
Went by the poor wretch at a gentle pace. 
And he to hers upturned his sad white face ; 
Nor did his eyes behold another sight 
Ere on his soul there fell eternal night. 



SO was the pageant ended, and all folk 
Talking of this and that familiar thing 
In little groups from that sad concourse broke, 
For now the shrill bats were upon the wing. 
And soon dark night would slay the evening, 
And in dark gardens sang the nightingale 
Her little-heeded, oft-repeated tale. 

And with the last of all the hunter went. 
Who, wondering at the strange sight he had seen, 
Prayed an old man to tell him what it meant, 
Both why the vanquished man so slain had been. 



74 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

And if the maiden were an earthly queen, 
Or rather what much more she seemed to be, 
No sharer in the world's mortality. 

'' Stranger," said he, " I pray she soon may die 
Whose lovely youth has slain so many an one ! 
King Schoeneus' daughter is she verily. 
Who when her eyes first looked upon the sun 
Was fain to end her life but new begun, 
For he had vowed to leave but men alone 
Sprung from his loins when he from earth was gone. 

"Therefore he bade one leave her in the wood, 
And let wild things deal with her as they might, 
But this being done, some cruel god thought good 
To save her beauty in the world's despite : 
Folk say that her, so delicate and white 
As now she is, a rough, root-grubbing bear 
Amidst her shapeless cubs at first did rear. 

" In course of time the woodfolk slew her nurse, 
And to their rude abode the youngling brought, 
And reared her up to be a kingdom's curse, 
Who grown a woman, of no kingdom thought, 
But armed and swift, ^mid beasts destruction wrought, 
Nor spared two shaggy centaur kings to slay. 
To whom her body seemed an easy prey. 

*' So to this city, led by fate, she came 
Whom known by signs, whereof I cannot tell. 
King Schoeneus for his child at last did claim, 
Nor otherwhere since that day doth she dwell, 
Sending too many a noble soul to hell. — 
What ! thine eyes glisten ! what then, thinkest thou 
Her shining head unto the yoke to bow ? 

** Listen, my son, and love some other maid. 
For she the saffron gown will never wear, 
And on no flower- strewn couch shall she be laid, 
Nor shall her voice make glad a lover's ear : 
Yet if of Death thou hast not any fear. 
Yea, rather, if thou lovest him utterly. 
Thou still may'st woo her ere thou comest to die, 

'* Like him that on this day thou sawest lie dead ; 
For, fearing as I deem the sea-born one. 



ATALANTA'S RACE, 75 

The maid has vowed e'en such a man to wed 
As in the course her swift feet can outrun, 
But whoso fails herein, his days are done : 
He came the nighest that was slain to-day. 
Although with him I deem she did but play. 

* ' Behold, such mercy Atalanta gives 
To those that long to win her loveliness ; 
Be wise ! be sure that many a maid there lives 
Gentler than she, of beauty little less, 
"Whose swimming eyes thy loving words shall bless, 
When in some garden, knee set close to knee. 
Thou sing'st the song that love may teach to thee." 

So to the hunter spake that ancient man, 
And left him for his own home presently : 
But he turned round, and through the moonlight wan 
Reached the thick wood, and there 'twixt tree and tree 
Distraught he passed the long night feverishly, 
'Twixt sleep and waking, and at dawn arose 
To wage hot war against his speechless foes. 

There to the hart's flank seemed his shaft to grow, 
As panting down the broad green glades he flew, 
There by his horn the Dryads well might know 
His thrust against the bear's heart had been true, 
And there Adonis' bane his javelin slew. 
But still in vain through rough and smooth he went, 
For none the more his restlessness was spent. 

So wandering, he to Argive cities came. 
And in the lists with valiant men he stood. 
And by great deeds he won him praise and fame, 
And heaps of wealth for little-valued blood ; 
But none of all these things, or life, seemed good 
Unto his heart, where still unsatisfied 
A ravenous longing warred with fear and pride. 

Therefore it happed when but a month had gone 
Since he had left King Schoeneus' city old. 
In hunting-gear again, again alone 
The forest-bordered meads did he behold. 
Where still mid thoughts of August's quivering gold 
Folk hoed the wheat, and clipped the vine in trust 
Of faint October's purple-foaming must. 



76 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

And once again he passed the peaceful gate, 
While to his beating heart his lips did lie, 
That, owning not victorious love and fate. 
Said, half aloud, * ' And here too must I try, 
To win of alien men the mastery. 
And gather for my head fresh meed of fame, 
And cast new glory on my father's name. " 

In spite of that, how beat his heart, when first 
Folk said to him, " And art thou come to see 
That which still makes our city's name accurst 
Among all mothers for its cruelty ? 
Then know indeed that fate is good to thee 
Because to-morrow a new luckless one 
Against the whitefoot maid is pledged to run. " 

So on the morrow with no curious eyes 
As once he did, that piteous sight he saw% 
Nor did that wonder in his heart arise 
As toward the goal the conquering maid 'gan draw, 
Nor did he gaze upon her eyes with awe. 
Too full the pain of longing filled his heart 
For fear or wonder there to have a part. 

But O, how long the night was ere it went ! 
How long it was before the dawn begun 
Showed to the wakening birds the sun's intent 
That not in darkness should the world be done ! 
And then, and then, how long before the sun 
Bade silently the toilers of the earth 
Get forth to fruitless cares or empty mirth ! 

And long it seemed that in the market-place 
He stood and saw the chaffering folk go by, 
Ere from the ivory throne King Schoeneus' face 
Looked down upon the murmur royally, 
But then came trembling that the time was nigh 
When he midst pitying looks his love must claim, 
And jeering voices must salute his name. 

But as the throng he pierced to gain the throne, 
His alien face distraught and anxious told 
What hopeless errand he was bound upon. 
And, each to each, folk whispered to behold 
His godlike limbs ; nay, and one woman old 



ATALANTA'S RACE, 77 

As he went by must pluck him by the sleeve 
And pray him yet that wretched love to leave. 

For sidling up she said, " Canst thou live twice, 
Fair son ? canst thou have joyful youth again, 
That thus thou goest to the sacrifice, 
Thyself the victim ? nay then, all in vain 
Thy mother bore her longing and her pain. 
And one more maiden on the earth must dwell 
Hopeless of joy, nor fearing death and hell. 

" O fool, thou knowest not the compact then 
That with the three -formed goddess she has made 
To keep her from the loving lips of men, 
And in no saffron gown to be arrayed. 
And therewithal with glory to be paid, 
And love of her the moonlit river sees 
White 'gainst the shadow of the formless trees. 

*' Come back, and I myself will pray for thee 
Unto the sea-born framer of delights, 
To give thee her who on the earth may be 
The fairest stirrer-up to death and fights, 
To quench with hopeful days and joyous nights 
The flame that doth thy youthful heart consume : 
Come back, nor give thy beauty to the tomb." 

How should he listen to her earnest speech ? 
Words, such as he not once or twice had said 
Unto himself, whose meaning scarce could reach 
The firm abode of that sad hardihead — 
He turned about, and through the marketstead 
Swiftly he passed, until before the throne 
In the cleared space he stood at last alone. 

Then said the King, '' Stranger, what dost thou here? 
Have any of my folk done ill to thee ? 
Or art thou of the forest men in fear ? 
Or art thou of the sad fraternity 
Who still will strive my daughter's mates to be, 
Staking their lives to win to earthly bliss 
The lonely maid, the friend of Artemis ? " 

" O King," he said, " thou sayest the word indeed ; 
Nor will I quit the strife till I have won 
My sweet delight, or death to end my need. 



78 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

And know that I am called Milanion, 
Of King Amphidamas the well-loved son : 
So fear not that to thy old name, O King, 
Much loss or shame my victory will bring." 

"Nay, Prince," said Schoeneus, "welcome to this land 
Thou wert indeed, if thou wert here to try 
Thy strength 'gainst some one mighty of his hand ; 
Nor would we grudge thee well- won mastery. 
But now, why wilt thou come to me to die, 
And at my door lay down thy luckless head, 
Swelling the band of the unhappy dead, 

* ' Whose curses even now my heart doth fear ? 
Lo, I am old, and know what life can be, 
And what a bitter thing is death anear. 
O Son ! be wise, and hearken unto me. 
And if no other can be dear to thee, 
At least as now, yet is the world full wide, 
And bliss in seeming hopeless hearts may hide : 

" But if thou losest life, then all is lost." 
"Nay, King," Milanion said, " thy words are vain. 
Doubt not that I have counted well the cost. 
But say, on what day will thou that I gain 
Fulfilled delight, or death to end my pain ? 
Right glad were I if it could be to-day, 
And all m^y doubts at rest forever lay." 

" Nay," said King Schoeneus, " thus it shall not be, 
But rather shalt thou let a month go by. 
And weary with thy prayers for victory 
What god thou know'st the kindest and most nigh. 
So doing, still perchance thou shalt not die : 
And with my good-will w^ouldst thou have the maid, 
For of the equal gods I grow afraid. 

"And until then, O Prince, be thou my guest. 
And all these troublous things awhile forget." 
" Nay," said he, " couldst thou give my soul good rest, 
And on mine head a sleepy garland set, 
Then had I 'scaped the meshes of the net. 
Nor shouldst thou hear from me another word ; 
But now, make sharp thy fearful heading sword. 

"Yet will I do what son of man may do, 
And promise all the gods may most desire. 



ATALANTA'S RACE. 79 

That to myself I may at least be true ; 

And on that day my heart and limbs so tire, 

With utmost strain and measureless desire, 

That, at the worst, I may but fall asleep 

When in the sunlight round that sword shall sweep." 

He went with that, nor anywhere would bide, 
But unto Argos restlessly did wend ; 
And there, as one w^ho lays all hope aside. 
Because the leech has said his life must end, 
Silent farewell he bade to foe and friend, 
And took his way unto the restless sea. 
For there he deemed his rest and help might be. 



UPON the shore of Argolis there stands 
A temple to the goddess that he sought. 
That, turned unto the lion-bearing lands, 
Fenced from the east, of cold winds hath no thought. 
Though to no homestead there the sheaves are brought, 
No groaning press torments the close-clipped murk, 
Lonely the fane stands, far from all men's work. 

Pass through a close, set thick with myrtle-trees, 
Through the brass doors that guard the holy place, 
And entering, hear the washing of the seas 
That twice a day rise high above the base. 
And with the southwest urging them, embrace 
The marble feet of her that standeth there, 
That shrink not, naked though they be and fair. 

Small is the fane through which the sea-wind sings 
About Queen Venus' well-wrought image white. 
But hung around are many precious things. 
The gifts of those who, longing for delight. 
Have hung them there within the goddess' sight, 
And in return have taken at her hands 
The living treasures of the Grecian lands. 

And thither now has come Milanion, 
And showed unto the priests' wide-open eyes 
Gifts fairer than all those that there have shown, 
Silk cloths, inwrought with Indian fantasies. 



So THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

And bowls inscribed with sayings of the wise 
Above the deeds of foolish living things, 
And mirrors fit to be the gifts of kings. 

And now before the Sea-born One he stands, 
By the sweet veiling smoke made dim and soft, 
And while the incense trickles from his hands, 
And while the odorous smoke-wreaths hang aloft. 
Thus doth he pray to her : " O Thou, who oft 
Hast holpen man and maid in their distress, 
Despise me not for this my wTetchedness ! 

*'0 goddess, among us who dwell below, 
Kings and great men, great for a little while, 
Have pity on the lowly heads that bow. 
Nor hate the hearts that love them without guile ; 
Wilt thou be worse than these, and is thy smile 
A vain device of him who set thee here. 
An empty dream of some artificer ? 

" O great one, some men love, and are ashamed ; 
Some men are weary of the bonds of love ; 
Yea, and by some men lightly art thou blamed, 
That from thy toils their lives they cannot move. 
And mid the ranks of men their manhood prove. 
Alas ! O goddess, if thou slayest me 
What new immortal can I serve but thee ? 

" Think then, will it bring honor to thy head 
If folk say, ' Eveiything aside he cast 
And to all fame and honor was he dead, 
And to his one hope now is dead at last. 
Since all unholpen he is gone and past : 
Ah, the gods love not man, for certainly. 
He to his helper did not cease to cry. ' 

* * Nay, but thou wilt help ; they who died before 
Not single-hearted as I deem came here, 
Therefore unthanked they laid their gifts before 
Thy stainless feet, still shivering with their fear. 
Lest in their eyes their true thought might appear. 
Who sought to be the lords of that fair town, 
Dreaded of men and winners of renown. 

* ' O Queen, thou knowest I pray not for this ; 
O, set us down together in some place 



ATALANTA'S RACE. 8i 

Where not a voice can break our heaven of bUss, 
Where naught but rocks and I can see her face, 
Softenmg beneath the marvel of thy grace, 
Where not a foot our vanished steps can track, — 
The golden age, the golden age come back ! 

" O fairest, hear me now, who do thy will. 
Plead for thy rebel that she be not slain, 
But live and love and be thy servant still : 
Ah, give her joy and take away my pain. 
And thus two long-enduring servants gain. 
An easy thing this is to do for me. 
What need of my vain words to weary thee ! 

" But none the less this place will I not leave 
Until I needs must go my death to meet. 
Or at thy hands some happy sign receive 
That in great joy we twain may one day greet 
Thy presence here and kiss thy silver feet, 
Such as we deem thee, fair beyond all words. 
Victorious o^er our servants and our lords. " 

Then from the altar back a space he drew, 
But from the Queen turned not his face away, 
But 'gainst a pillar leaned, until the blue 
That arched the sky, at ending of the day, 
Was turned to i-uddy gold and changing gray, 
And clear, but low, the nigh-ebbed windless sea 
In the still evening murmured ceaselessly. 

And there he stood when all the sun was down, 
Nor had he moved, when the dim golden light, 
Like the far lustre of a godlike town, 
Had left the world to seeming hopeless night. 
Nor would he move the more when wan moonlight 
Streamed through the pillars for a little while, 
And lighted up the white Queen's changeless smile. 

Naught noted he the shallow flowing sea 
As step by step it set the wrack a-swim. 
The yellow torchlight nothing noted he i 

Wherein with fluttering gown and half-bared limb 
The temple damsels sung their midnight hymn. 
And naught the doubled stillness of the fane 
When they were gone and all was hushed again. 
6 



82 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

But when the waves had touched the marble base, 
And steps the fish swim over twice a day, 
The dawn beheld him sunken in his place 
Upon the floor ; and sleeping there he lay, 
Not heeding aught the little jets of spray 
The roughened sea brought nigh, across him cast, 
For as one dead all thought from him had passed. 

Yet long before the sun had showed his head. 
Long ere the varied hangings on the wall 
Had gained once more their blue and green and red, 
He rose as one some well-known sign doth call 
When war upon the city's gates doth fall, 
And scarce like one fresh risen out of sleep. 
He 'gan again his broken watch to keep. 

Then he turned round ; not for the sea-gull's cry 
That wheeled above the temple in his flight. 
Not for the fresh south-wind that lovingly 
Breathed on the new-born day and dying night, 
But some strange hope 'twixt fear and great delight 
Drew round his face, now flushed, now pale and wan, 
And still constrained his eyes the sea to scan. 

Now a faint light lit up the southern sky. 
Not sun or moon, for all the world was gray. 
But this a bright cloud seemed, that drew anigh, 
Lighting the dull waves that beneath it lay 
As toward the temple still it took its way, 
And still grew greater, till Milanion 
Saw naught for dazzling light that round him shone. 

But as he staggered with his arms outspread, 
Delicious unnamed odors breathed around. 
For languid happiness he bowed his head, 
And with wet eyes sank down upon the ground, 
Nor wished for aught, nor any dream he found 
To give him reason for that happiness. 
Or make him ask more knowledge of his bliss. 

At last his eyes were cleared, and he could see 
Through happy tears the goddess face to face 
With that faint image of Divinity, 
Whose well-wrought smile and dainty changeless grace 
Until that mom so gladdened all the place ; 



ATALANTA'S RACE. 83 

Then he unwitting cried aloud her name, 
And covered up his eyes for fear and shame. 

But through the stillness he her voice could hear 
Piercing his heart with joy scarce bearable, 
That said, " Milanion, wherefore dost thou fear ? 
I am not hard to those who love me well ; 
List to what I a second time will tell. 
And thou mayest hear perchance, and live to save 
The cruel maiden from a loveless grave. 

*' See, by my feet three golden apples lie — 
Such fruit among the heavy roses falls. 
Such fruit my watchful damsels carefully 
Store up within the best loved of my walls, 
Ancient Damascus, where the lover calls 
Above my unseen head, and faint and light 
The rose-leaves flutter round me in the night. 

' ' And note, that these are not alone most fair 
"With heavenly gold, but longing strange they bring 
Unto the hearts of men, who will not care. 
Beholding the^e, for any once-loved thing 
Till round the shining sides their fingers cling. 
And thou shalt see thy well-girt swiftfoot maid 
By sight of these amid her glory stayed. 

'* For bearing these within a scrip with thee, 
When first she heads thee from the starting-place 
Cast down the first one for her eyes to see. 
And when she turns aside make on apace, 
And if again she heads thee in the race 
Spare not the other two to cast aside 
If she not long enough behind will bide. 

** Farewell, and when has come the happy time 
That she Diana's raiment must unbind 
And all the world seems blessed with Saturn's clime, 
And thou with eager arms about her twined 
Beholdest first her gray eyes growing kind. 
Surely, O trembler, thou shalt scarcely then 
Forget the Helper of unhappy men. " 

Milanion raised his head at this last word, 
For now so soft and kind she seemed to be 
No longer of her Godhead was he feared ; 



84 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Too late he looked, for nothing could he see 
But the white image glimmering doubtfully 
In the departing twilight cold and gray, 
And those three apples on the steps that lay. 

These then he caught up quivering with delight, 
Yet fearful lest it all might be a dream, 
And though aweary with the watchful night. 
And sleepless nights of longing, still did deem 
He could not sleep ; but yet the first sunbeam 
That smote the fane across the heaving deep 
Shone on him laid in calm untroubled sleep. 

But little ere the noontide did he rise. 
And why he felt so happy scarce could tell 
Until the gleaming apples met his eyes. 
Then, leaving the fair place where this befell, 
Oft he looked back as one who loved it well. 
Then homeward to the haunts of men 'gan wend 
To bring all things unto a happy end. 



NOW has the lingering month at last gone by, 
Again are all folk round the running-place, 
Nor other seems the dismal pageantry 
Than heretofore, but that another face 
Looks o'er the smooth course ready for the race, 
For now, beheld of all, Milanion 
Stands on the spot he twice has looked upon. 

But yet — w^hat change is this that holds the maid \ 
Does she indeed see in his glittering eye 
More than disdain of the sharp shearing blade, 
Some happy hope of help and victory ? 
The others seemed to say, ' ' We come to die. 
Look down upon us for a little while. 
That, dead, we may bethink us of thy smile." 

But he — what look of mastery was this 
He cast on her ? why were his lips so red ? 
Why was his face so flushed with happiness ? 
So looks not one who deems himself but dead. 
E'en if to death he bows a willing head ; 



ATALANTA'S RACE, 85 

So rather looks a god well pleased to find 
Some earthly damsel fashioned to his mind. 

Why must she drop her lids before his gaze, 
And even as she casts adown her eyes 
Redden to note his eager glance of praise, 
And wish that she were clad in other guise ? 
Why must the memory to her heart arise 
Of things unnoticed when they first were heard, 
Some lover's song, some answering maiden's word ? 

What makes these longings, vague, without a name, 
And this vain pity never felt before, 
This sudden languor, this contempt of fame, 
This tender sorrow for the time past o'er, 
These doubts that grow each minute more and more ? 
Why does she tremble as the time grows near, 
And weak defeat and woful victoiy fear ? 

^ But while she seemed to hear her beating heart. 

Above their heads the trumpet blast rang out. 
And forth they sprang ; and she must play her part \ 
Then flew her white feet, knowing not a doubt, 
Though, slackening once, she turned her head about, 
But then she cried aloud and faster fled 
Than e'er before, and all men deemed him dead. 

But with no sound he raised aloft his hand. 
And thence what seemed a ray of light there flew 
And past the maid rolled on along the sand ; 
Then trembling she her feet together drew. 
And in her heart a strong desire there grew 
To have the toy ; some god she thought had given 
That gift to her, to make of earth a heaven. 

Then from the course with eager steps she ran. 
And in her odorous bosom laid the gold. 
But when she turned again, the great-limbed man 
Now well ahead she failed not to behold, 
And, mindful of her glory waxing cold. 
Sprang up and followed him in hot pursuit, 
Though with one hand she touched the golden fruit. 

Note, too, the bow that she was wont to bear 
She laid aside to grasp the glittering prize, 
And o'er her shoulder from the quiver fair 



86 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

Three arrows fell and lay before her eyes 
Unnoticed, as amidst the people's cries 
She sprang to head the strong Milanion, 
Who now the turning-post had wellnigh won. 

But as he set his mighty hand on it 
White fingers underneath his own w^ere laid, 
And white limbs from his dazzled eyes did flit ; 
Then he the second fruit cast by the maid, 
But she ran on awhile, then as afraid 
Wavered and stopped, and turned and made no stay, 
Until the globe with its bright fellow lay. 

Then, as a troubled glance she cast around, 
Now far ahead the Argive could she see. 
And in her garment's hem one hand she wound 
To keep the double prize, and strenuously 
Sped o'er the course, and little doubt had she 
To win the day, though now but scanty space 
Was left betwixt him and the winning-place. 

Short was the way unto such winged feet. 
Quickly she gained upon him, till at last 
He turned about her eager eyes to meet 
And from his hand the third fair apple cast. 
She wavered not, but turned and ran so fast 
After the prize that should her bliss fulfil. 
That in her hand it lay ere it was still. 

Nor did she rest, but turned about to win. 
Once more, an unblest woful victory — 
And yet — and yet — why does her breath begin 
To fail her, and her feet drag heavily ? 
Why fails she now to see if far or nigh 
The goal is ? why do her gray eyes grow dim ? 
Why do these tremors run through every limb ? 

She spreads her arms abroad some stay to find, 
Else must she fall, indeed, . and findeth this, 
A strong man's arms about her body twined. 
Nor may she shudder now to feel his kiss, 
So wrapped she is in new unbroken bliss : 
Made happy that the foe the prize hath won. 
She weeps glad tears for all her glory done. 



ATALANTA'S RACE. %^ 



SHATTER the trumpet, hew adown the posts ! 
Upon the brazen altar break the sword, 
And scatter incense to appease the ghosts 
Of those who died here by their own award. 
Bring forth the image of the mighty Lord, 
And her who unseen o'er the runners hung. 
And did a deed forever to be sung. 

Here are the gathered folk, make no delay, 
Open King Schoeneus' well-filled treasury. 
Bring out the gifts long hid from light of day, 
The golden bowls overwrought with imagery. 
Gold chains, and unguents brought from over sea, 
The saffron gown the old Phoenician brought, 
Within the temple of the Goddess wrought. 

O ye, O damsels, who shall never see 
Her, that Love's servant bringeth now to you, 
Returning from another victory. 
In some cool bower do all that now is due ! 
Since she in token of her service new 
Shall give to Venus offerings rich enow, 
Her maiden zone, her arrows, and her bow. 



THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 



SO when his last word's echo died away, 
The growing wind at end of that wild day- 
Alone they heard, for silence bound them all ; 
Yea, on their hearts a weight had seemed to fall, 
As unto the scarce-hoped felicity 
The tale drew round, — the end of life so nigh, 
The aim so little, and the joy so vain, — 
For as a child's unmeasured joy brings pain 
Unto a grown man holding grief at bay, 
So the old fervent story of that day 
Brought pain half-sweet, to these : till now the fire 
Upon the hearth sent up a flickering spire 
Of ruddy flame, as fell the burned-through logs. 
And, waked by sudden silence, gray old dogs. 
The friends of this or tliat man, rose and fawned 
On hands they knew ; withal once more there dawned 
The light of common day on those old hearts, 
And all were ready now to play their parts, 
And take what feeble joy might yet remain 
In place of all they once had hoped to gain. 



NOW on the second day that these did meet 
March was a-dying through soft days and sweet, 
Too hopeful for the wild days yet to be ; 
But in the hall that ancient company, 
Not lacking younger folk that day at least. 
Softened by spring were gathered at the feast. 
And as the time drew on, throughout the hall 
A horn was sounded, giving note to all 
That they at last the looked-for tale should hear. 

Then spake a Wanderer, ' ' O kind hosts and dear, 
Hearken a little unto such a tale 
As folk with us will tell in every vale 
About the yule-tide fire, when the snow, 
Deep in the passes, letteth men to go 



MARCH. 89 

From place to place : now there few great folk be, 
Although we upland men have memory 
Of ills kings did us ; yet as now indeed 
Few have much wealth, few are in utter need. 
Like the wise ants, a kingless, happy folk 
We long have been, not galled by any yoke, 
But the white leaguer of the winter-tide 
Whereby all men at home are bound to bide. 
Alas, my folly ! how T talk of it, 
As though from this place where to-day we sit 
The way thereto was short. Ah, would to God 
Upon the snow-freed herbage now I trod ! 
But pardon, sirs ; the time goes swiftly by, 
Hearken a tale of conquering destiny. " 



THE MAN BORN TO BE KING. 



ARGUMENT. 

It was foretold to a great king, that he who should reign after him should 
be low-born and poor ; which thing came to pass in the end, for all that 
the king could do. 

A KING there was in days of old 
Who ruled wide lands, nor lacked for gold, 
Nor honor, nor much longed-for praise, 
And his days were called happy days, 
So peaceable his kingdoms were. 
While others wrapt in war and fear 
Fell ever unto worse and worse. 

Therefore his city was the nurse 
Of all that men then had of lore, 
And none were driven from his door 
That seemed well skilled in anything ; 
So of the sages was he king ; 
And from this learned man and that, 
Little by little, lore he gat. 
And many a lordless, troubled land 
Fell scarce loath to his dreaded hand. 

Midst this it chanced that, on a day, 
Clad in his glittering gold array, 
He held a royal festival ; 
And nigh him in his glorious hall 
Beheld his sages most and least. 
Sitting much honored at the feast. 
But mid the faces so well known, 
Of men he well might call his own, 
He saw a little wizened man 
With face grown rather gray than wan 
From lapse of years, beardless was he. 
And bald as is the winter tree ; 
But his two deep -set, glittering eyes 
Gleamed at the sight of mysteries 
None knew but he ; few words he said. 
And unto those small heed was paid ; 



THE MAN BORN TO BE KING. 91 

But the King, young, yet old in guile, 
Failed not to note a flickering smile 
Upon his face, as now and then 
He turned him from the learned men 
Toward the King's seat, so thought to know 
What new thing he might have to show ; 
And presently, the meat being done, 
He bade them bring him to his throne, 
And when before him he was come, 
He said, " Be welcome to my home ; 
What is thine art, canst thou in rhyme 
Tell stories of the ancient time ? 
Or dost thou chronicle old wars ? 
Or know'st thou of the change of stars ? 
Or seek'st thou the transmuting stone ? 
Or canst thou make the shattered bone 
Grow whole, and dying men live on 
Till years like thine at last are won? 
Or what thing bring'st thou to me here. 
Where naught but men of lore are dear 
To me and mine ? " 

*'0 King," said he, 
* ' But few things know I certainly, 
Though I have toiled for many a day 
Along the hard and doubtful way 
That bringeth wise men to the grave : 
And now for all the years I gave. 
To know all things that man can learn, 
A few months' learned life I earn, 
Nor feel much liker to a god 
Tlian when beside my sheep I trod 
Upon the thymy, wind-swept down. 
Yet am I come unto thy town 
To tell thee somewhat that I learned 
As on the stars I gazed, and yearned 
To cast this weary body off. 
With all its chains of mock and scoff 
And creeping death — for as I read 
The sure decrees witli joy and dread, 
Somewhat I saw writ down of thee. 
And who shall have the sovereignty 
When thou art gone/' 

''Nay," said the King, 
'' Speak quick and tell me of the thing." 

*' Sire," said the sage, "thine ancient line 
Thou boldest as a thing divine, 



92 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

So long and undisturbed it \% 
But now shall there be end to this, 
For surely in my glittering text 
I read that he who shall sit next, 
On this thine ancient throne and high, 
Shall be no better born than I 
- Whose grandsire none remembereth. 
Nor where my father first drew breath." 

"Yea,'' said the King, '* and this may be, 
Yet, O sage, ere I credit thee. 
Some token certes must thou show, 
Or tell me what I think to know, 
Alone among all folk alive ; 
Then surely great gifts will I give 
To thee, and make thee head of all 
Who watch the planets rise and fall." 

' ' Bid these stand backward from thy throne, 
The sage said, "then to thee alone 
Long-hidden matters will I tell ; 
And then if thou belie vest, well — 
And if thou dost not — well also ; 
No gift I ask, but leave to go. 
For strange to me is this thy state. 
And for thyself, thou well may'st hate 
My crabbed age and misery." 

" Well," said the King, " let this thing be ; 
And ye, my masters, stand aback ! 
For of the fresh air have I lack. 
And in my pleasance would I walk 
To hearken this grave elder's talk 
And gain new lore." 

Therewith he rose 
And led the way unto a close. 
Shaded with gray-leaved olive-trees ; 
And when they were amidst of these 
He turned about and said, " Speak, friend, 
And of thy folly make an end. 
And take this golden chain therefore." 

" Rightly thou namest my weak lore," 
The sage said, " therefore to the end 
Be wise, and what the fates may send 
Take thou, nor struggle in the net 
Wherein thine helpless feet are set ! 
— Hearken ! a year is wellnigh done 
Since, at the hottest of the sun. 
Stood Antony beneath this tree, 



THE MAN BORN TO BE KING. 93 

And took a jewelled cup of thee, 
And drank swift death in guise of wine ; 
Since he, most trusted of all thine. 
At last too full of knowledge grew, 
And chiefly, he of all men knew 
How the Earl Marshal Hugh had died, 
Since he had drawn him on to ride 
Into a bushment of his foes. 
To meet death from unnumbered blows." 

*' Thou knowest that by me he died," 
The King said. '* How if now I cried, 
* Help ! the magician slayeth me ' ? 
Swiftly should twenty sword-blades be 
Clashing within thy ribs, and thou 
Nearer to death than even now/' 

" Not thus, O King, T fear to die," 
The sage said ; ' * Death shall pass me by 
Many a year yet, because, perchance, 
I fear not aught his clattering dance. 
And have enough of weary days. 
— But thou — farewell, and win the praise 
Of sages, by thy hearkening 
With heed to this most certain thing. 
Fear not because this thing I know. 
For to my gray tower back I go 
High raised above the heathy hills 
Where the great erne the swift hare kills, 
Or stoops upon the new-yeaned lamb ; 
There almost as a god I am 
Unto few folk, who hear thy name 
Indeed, but know naught of thy fame, 
Nay, scarce if thou be man or beast" 
So saying, back unto the feast 
He turned, and went adown the hall. 
Not heeding any gibe or call ; 
And left the palace and the town 
With face turned toward his windy down. 
Back to tiie hall, too, the King went, 
With eyes upon the pavement bent 
In pensive thought, delighting not 
In riches and his kingly lot ; 
But thinking how his days began, 
And of the lonely souls of man. 

But time passed, and midst this and that, 
The wise man's message he forgat \ 



94 THE EARTHLY PARADISE 

And as a king he lived his life, 

And took to him a noble wife 

Of the kings' daughters, rich and fair. 

And they being wed for nigh a year, 

And she now growing great with child, 

It happed unto the forest wild 

This king with many folk must ride 

At ending of the summer-tide ; 

There boar and hart they brought to bay, 

And had right noble prize that day ; 

But when the noon was now long past, 

And the thick woods grew overcast. 

They roused the mightiest hart of all. 

Then loudly 'gan the King to call 

Unto his huntsmen, not to leave 

That mighty beast for dusk nor eve 

Till they had won him ; with which word 

His horn he blew, and forth he spurred, 

Taking no thought of most or least, 

But only of that royal beast. 

And over rough and smooth he rode, 

Nor yet for anything abode, 

Till dark night swallowing up the day 

With blindness his swift course must stay. 

Nor was there with him any one, 

So far his fair steed had outrun 

The best of all his hunting-folk. 

So, glancing at the stars that broke 
'Twixt the thick branches here and there, 
Backward he turned, and peered with care 
Into the darkness, but saw naught, 
Nor heard his folk, and therewith thought 
His bed must be the brake-leaves brown. 
Then in a while he lighted down, 
And felt about a little space, 
If he might find a softer place ; 
But as he groped from tree to tree 
Some ghmmering light he seemed to see 
'Twixt the dark stems, and thither turned. 
If yet perchance some wood-fire burned 
Within a peasant's hut, where he 
Might find, amidst their misery, 
Rough food, or shelter at the least. 

So, leading on his wearied beast. 
Blindly he crept from tree to tree, 
Till slowly grew that light to be 



THE MAN BORN TO BE KING, ^ 95 

The thing he looked for, and he found 

A hut on a cleared space of ground, 

From whose half-opened door there streamed 

The light that erst far off had gleamed. 

Then of that shelter was he fain, 

But just as he made shift to gain 

The open space in front of it, 

A shadow o'er the grass did flit, 

And on the wretched threshold stood 

A big man, with a bar of wood 

In his right hand, who seemed as though 

He got him ready for a blow ; 

But ere he spoke the King cried, ** Friend, 

May God good hap upon thee send, 

If tliou wilt give me rest this night, 

And food according to thy might." 

" Nay,'^ said the carle, " my wife lieth 
In labor, and is nigh her death : 
Nor canst thou enter here at all, 
But near by is my asses' stall, 
Who on this night bide in the town ; 
There, if thou wilt, may'st thou lie down, 
And sleep until the dawn of day, 
And I will bring thee what I may 
Of food and drink. " 

Then said the King, 
'* Thanked be thou ; neither for nothing 
Shalt thou this good deed do to me. " 

'' Nay,'' said the carle, ''let these things be, 
Surely I think before the morn 
To be too weary and forlorn 
For gold much heart in me to put." 
With that he turned, and from the hut 
Brought out a lantern, and rye-bread, 
And wine, and showed the King a shed. 
Strewed with a litter of dry brake : 
W^ithal he muttered, for his sake. 
Unto Our Lady some rude prayer, 
And turned about and left him there. 

So when the rye-bread, nowise fine, r t 

The King had munched, and with green wine 
Had quenched his thirst, his horse he tied 
Unto a post, and there beside 
He fell asleep upon the brake. 

But in an hour did he awake, 



96 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

Astonied with an unnamed fear, 

For words were ringing in his ear 

like the last echo of a scream, 

" Take! takeT'' but of the vanished dream 

No image was there left to him. 

Then, trembling sore in every limb, 

Did he arise, and drew his sword, 

And passed forth on the forest sward, 

And cautiously about he crept ; 

But he heard naught at all, except 

Some groaning of the woodman's wife, 

And forest sounds well known, but rife 

With terror to the lonely soul. 

Then he lay down again, to roll 
His limbs within his huntsman's cloak ; 
And slept again, and once more woke 
To tremble with that unknown fear. 
And other echoing words to hear, — 
" Give tip ! give up ! " nor anything 
Showed more why these strange words should ring 
About him. Then he sat upright. 
Bewildered, gazing through the night. 
Until his weary eyes, grown dim. 
Showed not the starlit tree-trunks slim 
Against the black wood, gray and plain ; 
And into sleep he sank again. 
And woke not soon ; but sleeping dreamed 
That he awoke, nor other seemed 
The place he woke in but that shed, 
And there beside his braken bed 
He seemed to see the ancient sage 
Shrivelled yet more with untold age. 
Who bending down his head to him 
Said, with a mocking smile and grim, — 
*' Take, or give up ; what matters it? 
This child new-born shall surely sit 
Upon thy seat when thou art gone. 
And dwelling 'twixt straight walls of stone." 

Again the King woke at that word. 
And sat up, panting and afeard. 
And staring out unto the night. 
Where yet the woods thought not of light ; 
And fain he was to cast off sleep. 
Such visions from his eyes to keep. 
Heavy his head grew none the less, 
'Twixt 'wildering thoughts and weariness, 



THE MAN BORN TO BE KING. 97 

And soon he fell asleep once more, 
Nor dreamed, nor woke again, before 
The sun shone through the forest-trees ; 
And, shivering in the morning breeze. 
He blinked with just-awakened eyes, 
And, pondering on those mysteries, 
Unto the woodman's hut he went. 

Him he found kneeling down, and bent 
In moody grief above a bed, 
Whereon his wife lay, stark and dead. 
Whose soul near morn had passed away 
And 'twixt the dead and living lay 
A new-born man-child, fair and great. 
So in the door the King did wait 
To watch the man, who had no heed 
Of this or that, so sore did bleed 
The new-made wound within his heart. 
But as the King gazed, for his part 
He did but see his threatened foe. 
And ever hard his heart did grow 
With deadly hate and wilfulness : 
And sight of that poor man's distress 
Made it the harder, as of naught 
But that unbroken line he thought 
Of which he was the last : withal 
His scornful troubled eyes did fall 
Upon that nest of poverty. 
Where naught of joy he seemed to see. 

On straw the poor dead woman lay ; 
The door alone let in the day. 
Showing the trodden earthen floor, 
A board on trestles weak and poor, 
Three stumps of tree for stool or chair, 
A half-glazed pipkin, nothing fair, 
A bowl of porridge by the wife. 
Untouched by lips that lacked for life, 
A platter and a bowl of wood ; 
And in the further corner stood 
A bow cut from the wych-elm tree, 
A holly club, and arrows three 
Ill-pointed, heavy, spliced with thread. 

Ah ! soothly, well-remembered 
Was that unblissful wretched home. 
Those four bare walls, in days to come ; 
7 



98 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

And often in the coming years 

He called to mind the pattering tears 

That, on the rent old sackcloth cast 

About the body, fell full fast, 

'Twixt half-meant prayers and curses wild, 

And that weak wailing of the child. 

His threatened dreaded enemy, 

The mighty king that was to be. 

But as he gazed unsoftened there, 
With hate begot of scorn and care, 
Loudly he heard a great horn blow. 
And his own hunting- call did know, 
And soon began the shouts to hear 
Of his own people drawing near. 
Then lifting up his horn, he blew 
A long shrill point, but as he threw 
His head aback, beheld his folk. 
Who from the close-set thicket broke 
And o'er the cleared space swiftly passed. 
With shouts that he was found at last. 

Then turned the carle his doleful face. 
And, slowly rising in his place, 
Drew thwart his eyes his fingers strong. 
And on that gay-dressed glittering throng 
Gazed stupidly, as still he heard 
The name of King ; but said no word. 

But his guest spoke, " wSirs, well be ye ! 
This luckless woodman, whom ye see. 
Gave me good harbor through the night, 
And such poor victual as he might ; 
Therefore shall he have more than gold 
For his reward ; since dead and cold 
His helpmate lies who last night died. 
See now the youngling by her side ; 
Him will I take and rear him so 
That he shall no more lie alow 
In straw, or from the beech-tree dine. 
But rather use white linen fine 
And silver plate ; and with the sword 
Shall learn to serve some king or lord. 
How say'st thou, good man?" 

" Sire," he said, 
Weeping, but shamefaced, — "since here dead 
She lies, that erst kept house for me, 
E'en as thou wiliest let it be ; 
Though I had hoped to have a son 



THE MAN BORN TO BE KING, 99 

To help me get the day's work done. 

And now, indeed, forth must he go 

If unto manhood he should grow, 

And lonely I must wander forth, 

To whom east, west, and south, and north 

Are all alike : forgive it me 

If little thanks T give to thee 

Who scarce can thank great God in heaven 

For what is left of what was given." 

Small heed unto him the King gave, 
But trembling in his haste to have 
The body of his enemy, 
Said to an old squire, " Bring to me 
The babe, and give the good man this 
Wherewith to gain a little bliss, 
In place of all his troubles gone. 
Nor need he now be long alone." 
The carle's rough face, at clink of gold, 
Lit up, though still did he behold 
The wasted body lying there ; 
But stooping, a rough box, foursquare. 
Made of old wood and lined with hay. 
Wherein the helpless infant lay. 
He raised, and gave it to the squire 
Who on the floor cast down his hire, 
Nor sooth dared murmur aught the while, 
But turning smiled a grim hard smile 
To see the carle his pieces count 
Still weeping : so did all men mount. 
And turning round into the wood 
Forgat him and his drearihood. 
And soon were far off from the hut. 

Then coming out, the door he shut 
Behind him, and adown a glade, 
Towards a rude hermitage, he made 
To fetch the priest unto his need. 
To bury her and say her bede. — 
So when all things that he might do 
Were done aright, heavy with woe. 
He left the woodland hut behind 
To take such chance as he might find 
In other lands, forgetting all 
That in the forest did befall. 

But through the wild wood rode the King, 



THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Moody and thinking on the thing, 

Nor free from that unreasoning fear ; 

Till now, when they had drawn anear 

The open country, and could see 

The road run on from close to lea, 

And lastly by a wooden bridge 

A long way from that heathy ridge 

Cross over a deep lowland stream — 

Then in his eyes there came a gleam, 

And his hand fell upon his sword. 

And turning round to squire and lord 

He said, ' ' Ride, sirs, the way is clear. 

Nor of my people have I fear. 

Nor do my foes range over-wide ; 

And for myself fain would I ride 

Right slowly homewards through the fields 

Noting what this and that one yields ; 

While by my squire who bears the child 

Lightly my way shall be beguiled. 

For some nurse now he needs must have 

This tender life of his to save ; 

And doubtless by the stream there is 

Some house where he may dwell in bliss, 

Till he grow old enough to learn 

How gold and glory he may earn ; 

And grow, perchance, to be a lord." 

With downcast eyes he spoke that word ; 
But forth they galloped speedily. 
And he drew rein and stood to see 
Their green coats lessening as they went. 
This man unto the other bent. 
Until mid dust and haze at last 
Into a wavering mass they passed ; 
Then 'twixt the hedge-rows vanished quite, 
Just told of by the dust-cloud white 
Rolled upward 'twixt the elm-trunks slim. 

Then turned the King about to him 
Who held the child, noting again 
The thing wherein he first had lain, 
And on one side of it could see 
A lion painted hastily 
In red upon a ground of white. 
As though of old it had been dight 
For some lord's rough-wrought palisade ; 
But naked mid the hay was laid 
The child, and had no mark or sign. 



THE MAN BORN TO BE KING, loi 

Then said the King, ^ * My ancient line 
Thou and thy sires through good and ill 
Have served, and unto thee my will 
Is law enough from day to day ; 
Ride nigh me, hearkening what I say." 

He shook his rein, and side by side 
Down through tlie meadows did they ride, 
And, opening all his heart, the King 
Told to the old man everything 
Both of the sage, and of his dream ; 
Withal, drawn nigh unto the stream, 
Pie said, "Yet this shall never be, 
For surely as thou lovest me, 
Adown this water shall he float 
With this rough box for ark and boat. 
Then if mine old line he must spill 
There let God save him if he will. 
While I in no case shed his blood?' 

" Yea," said the squire, " thy words are good. 
For the whole sin shall lie on me. 
Who greater things would do for thee 
If need there were ; yet note, I pray, 
It may be he will 'scape this day 
And live ; and what wouldst thou do then 
If thou shouldst meet him among men ? 
I counsel thee to let him go 
Since sure to naught thy will shall grow." 

" Yea, yea,'' the King said, "let all be 
That may be, if I once but see 
This ark whirl in the eddies swift 
Or tangled in the autumn drift 
And wrong side up " : but with that word 
Their horse-hoofs on the plank he heard, 
And swift across the bridge he rode, 
And nigh the end of it abode. 
Then turned to watch the old squire stop, 
And leaning o'er the bridge-rail drop 
The luckless child ; he heard withal 
A muttered word and splashing fall 
And from the wakened child a cry, 
And saw the cradle hurrying by. 
Whirled round and sinking, but as yet 
Holding the child, nor overset. 

Now somewhat, soothly at the sight 
Did the King doubt if he outright 
Had rid him of his feeble foe. 



102 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

But frowning did he turn to go 
Unto his home, nor knew indeed 
How better he might help his need ; 
And as unto his house he rode 
Full little care for all he showed, 
Still bidding Samuel the squire 
Unto his bridle-hand ride nigher, 
To whom he talked of careless things, 
As unto such wdll talk great kings. 

But when unto his palace gate 
He came at last, thereby did wait 
The chamberlain with eager eyes 
Above his lips grown grave with lies. 
In haste to tell him that the queen, 
While in the wild wood he had been. 
Had borne a daughter unto him 
Strong, fair of face, and straight of limb. 
So well at ease and glad thereat 
His troubled dream he nigh forgat, 
His troubled waking, and the ride 
Unto the fateful river-side ; 
Or thought of all as little things 
Unmeet to trouble souls of kings. 

So passed the days, so passed the years 
In such like hopes, and such like fears. 
And such like deeds in field and hall 
As unto royal men befall. 
And fourteen years have passed away 
Since on the huddled brake he lay 
And dreamed that dream, remembered now 
Once and again, when slow and slow 
The minutes of some sleepless night 
Crawl toward the dawning of the light. 

Remembered not on this sw^eet morn 
When to the ringing of the horn, 
Jingle of bits and mingled shout 
Toward that same stream he rideth out 
To see his gray-winged falcons fly. 

So long he rode he drew^ anigh 
A mill upon the river's brim, 
That seemed a goodly place to him, 
For o'er the oily smooth mill-head 
There hung the apples growing red. 



THE MAN BORN TO BE KING, 103 

And many an ancient apple-tree 

Within the orchard could he see, 

While the smooth mill-walls white and black 

Shook to the great wheel's measured clack, 

And grumble of the gear within ; 

While o'er the roof that dulled that din 

The doves sat crooning half the day. 

And round the half-cut stack of hay 

The sparrows fluttered twittering. 

There smihng stayed the joyous King, 
And since the autumn noon was hot 
Thought good anigh that pleasant spot 
To dine that day, and therewith sent 
To tell the miller his intent : 
Who held the stirrup of the king. 
Bareheaded, joyful at the thing, 
While from his horse he lit adown. 
Then led him o'er an elm-beam brown, 
New cut in February tide 
That crossed the stream from side to side ; 
So underneath the apple-trees 
The king sat careless, well at ease 
And ate and drank right merrily. 

To whom the miller drew anigh 
Among the courtiers, bringing there 
Such as he could of country fare. 
Green yellowing plums from off his wall, 
Wasp-bitten pears, the first to fall 
From off the wavering spire-like tree. 
Junkets, and cream, and fresh honey. 

Smiling the king regarded him. 
For he was round- paunched, short of limb, 
Red-faced, with long, lank flaxen hair ; 
But with him was a boy, right fair. 
Gray-eyed, and yellow-haired, most like 
Unto some Michael who doth strike 
The dragon on a minster wall, 
So sweet-eyed was he, and withal 
So fearless of all things he seemed. 
But when he saw him the King deemed 
He scarce could be the miller's kin. 
And laughing said, " Hast thou within 
Thy dusty mill the dame who bore 
This stripling in the days of yore, 
For fain were I to see her now. 
If she be liker him than thou ? " 



104 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

" Sire," said the miller, '' that may be 
And thou my dame shalt sm"ely see ; 
But for the stripUng, neither I 
Begat him, nor my wife did he 
In labor when the lad was born, 
But as an outcast and forlorn 
We found him fourteen years to-day. 
So quick the time has passed away." 

Then the King, hearkening what he said, 
A vanished day remembered, 
And troubled grew his face thereat ; 
But while he thought of this and that 
The man turned from him and was gone 
And by him stood the lad alone ; 
At whom he gazed, and as their eyes 
Met, a great horror 'gan arise 
Within his heart, and back he shrank 
And shuddering a deep draught he drank. 
Scarce knowing if his royal wine 
He touched, or juice of some hedge-vine. 

But as his eyes he lifted up 
From off his jewelled golden cup, 
Once more the miller drew anigh, 
By whom his wife went timidly 
Bearing some burden in her hand ; 
So when before him she did stand 
And he beheld her worn and old. 
And black-haired, then that hair of gold, 
Gray eyes, firm lips, and round cleft chin. 
Brought stronger memory of his sin. 

But the carle spake, " Dame, tell the King 
How this befell, a little thing 
The thoughts of such great folk to hold, 
Speak out, and fear not to be bold." 

" My tale," she said, " is short enow. 
For this day fourteen years ago 
Along this river-side I rode 
From market to our poor abode. 
Where we dwelt far from other men. 
Since thinner was the country then 
Than now it is ; so as I went 
And wearied o'er my panniers bent. 
From out the stream a feeble cry 
I heard, and therewith presently, 
From off my mule's back could I see 



THE MAN BORN TO BE KING, 105 

This boy who standeth here by thee, 

A naked, new-born infant, laid 

In a rough ark that had been stayed 

By a thick tangled bed of weed ; 

So pitying the youngling's need, 

Dismounting, did I wade for him 

Waist deep, whose ark now scarce did swim ; 

And he, with cold, and misery, 

And hunger, was at point to die. 

" Withal, I bare him to the mill 
And cherished him, and had good- will 
To bring the babe up as mine own ; 
Since childless were we and alone, 
And no one came to father it. 
So oft have I rejoiced to sit 
Beside the fire and watch him play. 
And now, behold him ! — but some day 
I look to lose him, for, indeed, 
I deem he comes of royal seed, 
Unmeet for us : and now, my lord, 
Have you heard every foolish word 
About my son — this boy — whose name 
Is Michael, soothly, since he came 
To us this da;y nigh Michaelmas. 
— See, sire, the ark wherein he was ! 
Which I have kept." 

Therewith she drew 
A cloth away ; but the King knew. 
Long ere she moved, what he should see, 
Nor looked, but seeming carelessly 
Leaned on the board and hid his eyes. 
But at the last did he arise 
And saw the painted lion red. 
Not faded, well remembered ; 
Withal he thought, " And who of these 
Were with me then amongst the trees 
To see this box ? " but presently 
He thought again that none but he 
And the gray squire, old Samuel, 
That painting could have noted well. 
Since Samuel his cloak had cast 
About it, and therewith had passed 
Throughout the forest on that day. 
And not till all were well away 
Had drawn it off before the King. 
But changed and downcast at the thing 



Io6 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

He left the lovely autumn place, 
Still haunted by the new-found face 
Of his old foe, and back he rode 
Unto his ancient rich abode, 
Forcing but dismal merriment 
As midst his smiling lords he went ; 
Who yet failed not to note his mood, 
So changed : and some men of the wood 
Remembered them, but said not aught. 
Yea, trembled lest their hidden thought 
Some bird should learn, and carry it. 

The morrow came, the King did sit 
Alone, to talk with Samuel, 
Who yet lived, gathering wage for hell. 
He from the presence in a while 
Came forth, and with his ugly smile 
He muttered, " Well betide me, then, 
St. Peter ! they are lucky men 
Who serve no kings, since they indeed 
May damn themselves each for his need. 
And will not he outlive this day 
Whom the deep water could not slay, 
Ere yet his lips had tasted food ? " 
With that a horse, both strong and good, 
He gat of the king's equerry, 
And toward the mill rode speedily. 

There Michael by the mill-tail lay, 
Watching the swift stream snatch away 
His float from midst the careless dace ; 
But thinking of the thin, dark face. 
That yesterday all men he saw 
Gaze at with seeming love and awe ; 
Nor had he, wondering at the lords. 
Lost one word of the housewife's words ; 
And still he noted that the King 
Beheld him as a wondrous thing. 
Strange to find there : so in his heart 
He thought to play some royal part 
In this wild play of life, and made 
Stories, wherein great words he said. 
And did great deeds in desperate fight. 
But midst these thoughts there came in sight 
He who had carried him of yore 



THE MAN BORN TO BE KING, 107 

From out the woodman's broken door, 
Dressed like a king's man, with fine gold 
Touching his hard brown hands and old, 
So was his sleeve embroidered ; 
A plumed hat had he on his head, 
And by his side a cutting sword 
Fit for the girdle of a lord ; 
And round his neck a knife he bore, 
Whose hilt was well enamelled o'er. 
With green leaves on a golden ground. 
Whose stem a silver scroll enwound ; 
Charged with those letters, writ in black, 
Strike ! for no dead 7nan coi?ieth back ! 

The boy gazed at him earnestly, 
With beating heart, as he drew nigh. 
And when at last he drew his rein 
Beside him, thought that not in vain 
His dream might be. But Samuel 
Below his breath said : *' Surely well 
Shalt thou fulfil thy destiny ; 
And, spite of all, thou wilt not die 
Till thou hast won the arched crown ? " 

But with that word he lighted down. 
And said aloud, *' Lad, tell to me 
Where the good miller I may see. 
For from the King I come to-day. 
And have a word to him to say ; 
I think, indeed, concerning thee ; 
For surely thou his lad must be. " 

Then Michael leaped up, nor took heed 
Of how the nibbling dace might feed 
Upon the loose ends of his bait ; 
" Fair sir,'^ he said, *' my sire doth wait 
Until men bring his mare from grass. 
For to the good town will he pass. 
Since he has need of household gear ; 
Follow, my lord, the place is liere." 

Withal, the good steed being made fast. 
Unto the other side they passed. 
And by the door the miller found. 
Who bowed before him to the ground. 
And asked what he would have him do. 
Then from his bosom Samuel drew 
A scroll, and said, * ' Good friend, read here. 
And do my bidding without fear 
Of doing ill." 



lo8 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

** Sir," said the man, 
*' But little lettered skill I can ; 
Let my dame come for she can read 
Well-written letters at good need. " 

*' Nay, friend," he said, *' suffice it thee 
This seal at the scroll's end to see, 
My lord the King's ; and hear my word, 
That I come hither from my lord 
Thy foundling lad to have away 
To serve the King from this same day." 

Downcast the miller looked thereat, 
And, twisting round his dusty hat, 
Said, " Weh, my lord, so must it be, 
Nor is he aught akin to me, 
Nor seems so : none the less would I 
Have left him, when I came to die, 
All things I have, with this my mill, 
Wherein he hath no 'prentice skill, 
Young as he is : and surely here 
Might he have lived, with little fear, 
A life of plenty and of bliss — 
Near by, too, a fair maid there is, 
I looked should be good wife to him. " 

Meanwhile young Michael's head 'gan swim 
With thoughts of noble life and praise ; 
And he forgat the happy days 
Wlierein the happy dreams he dreamed 
That now so near fulfilment seemed ; 
And, looking through the open mill. 
Stared at the gray and windy hill 
And saw it not, but some fair place 
Made strange with many a changing face, 
And all his life that was to be. 

But Samuel, laughing scornfully. 
Said, " O good soul, thou thinkest then 
This is a life for well-born men. 
As our lord deems this youngling is — 
Tell me, good lad, where lies thy bliss ? " 

But Michael turned shamefaced and red, 
Waked from his dream, and stammering said, 
*' Fair sir, my life is sweet and good. 
And John, the ranger of the wood, 
Saith that I draw so good a bow. 
That I shall have full skill enow, 
Ere many months have passed me by. 



THE MAN BORN TO BE KING. 109 

To join the muster, and to try- 
To win the bag of florins white, 
That folk, on Barnaby the bright, 
Shoot for within the market-towoi. 
Sir, please you to look up and down 
The weedy reaches of our stream. 
And note the bubbles of the bream, 
And see the great chub take the fly, 
And watch the long pike basking lie 
Outside the shadow of the w^eed. 
Withal there come unto our need 
Woodcock and snipe when swallows go ; 
And now the water-hen flies low 
With feet that wellnigh touch the reeds, 
And plovers cry about the meads. 
And the stares chatter ; certes, sir, 
It is a fair place all the year. " 

Eying him grimly, Samuel said, 
*' Thou show'st churl's breeding, by my head, 
In foul despite of thy fair face ! 
Take heart, for to a better place 
Thou goest now. — Miller, farewell. 
Nor need'st thou to the neighbors tell 
The noble fortunes of the lad ; 
For, certes, he shall not be glad 
To know them in a year or twain. 
Yet shall thy finding not be vain. 
And thou may'st bless it ; for behold 
This bag wherein is store of gold ; 
Take it and let thy hinds go play, 
And grind no corn for many a day. 
For it would buy thy mill and thee." 

He turned to go, but pensively 
Stood ^Michael, for his broken dream 
Doubtful and far away did seem 
Amid the squire's rough mockeries ; 
And tears were gathering in his eyes. 
But the kind miller's rough farewell 
Rang in his ears ; and Samuel 
Stamped with his foot and plucked his sleeve ; 
So theremthal he turned to leave 
His old abode, the quiet place, 
Trembling, with wet and tearful face. 

But even as he turned there came 
From out the house the simple dame 
And cast rough arms about the lad. 



no THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

Saying, " For that I have been glad 
By means of thee this many a day, 
My mourning heart this hour doth pay. 
But, fair son, may'st thou hve in bhss, 
And die in peace ; remembering this, 
When thou art come to high estate, 
That in our house, early and late, 
The happy house that shall be sad. 
Thou hadst the best of all we had 
And love unfeigned from us twain, 
"Whose hearts thou madest young again, 
Hearts that the quicker old shall grow 
Now thou art gone. " 

*' Good dame, enow," 
Quoth Samuel, *' the day grows late. 
And sure the King for meat shall wait 
Until he see this new-found lord." 
He strode away upon that word ; 
And half ashamed, and half afeard, 
Yet eager as his dream he neared, 
Shyly the lad went after him. 
They crossed the stream and by its brim 
Both mounted the great war-horse gray, 
And without word they rode away. 

But as along the river's edge 
They went, and brown birds in the sedge 
Twittered their sweet and formless tune 
In the fair autumn afternoon. 
And reach by reach the well-known stream 
They passed, again the hopeful dream 
Of one too young to think death near. 
Who scarce had learned the name of fear 
Remorseful memories put to flight ; 
Lovely the whole world showed and bright. 
Nor did the harsh voice rouse again 
The thought of mockery or of pain. 
For other thoughts held Samuel. 

So, riding silently and well. 
They reached at last the dusty road 
That led unto the King's abode. 
But Samuel turned away his face 
Therefrom, and at a steady pace 
The great horse thundered o'er the bridge. 
And made on toward the heathy ridge, 
Wherefrom they rode that other day ; 



THE MAN BORN TO BE KING, in 

But Michael, noting well the way, 
Why thus they went, fell wondering, 
And said aloud, ' ' Dwells then the King, 
Fair sir, as now within the wood ? " 

" Young fool, where that it seems him good 
He dwelleth," quoth old Samuel, 
' ' And now it pleaseth him to dwell 
With the black monks across the wood." 

Withal he muttered in his hood, 
" Curst be the King, and thee also, 
Who thrust me out such deeds to do ; 
When I should bide at home to pray, 
Who draw so nigh my ending day/' 
So saying forth his horse he spurred 
And to himself said yet this word, 
" Yea, yea, and of all days forlorn 
God curse the day when I was bom. " 

Therewith he groaned ; yet saying thus 
His case seemed hard and piteous, 
When he remembered how of old 
Another tale he might have told. 

So as each thought his own thoughts still, 
The horse began to breast the hill, 
And still they went on higher ground, 
Until as Michael turned him round 
He saw the sunny country-side 
Spread out before him far and wide, 
Golden amidst its waning green, 
Joyous with varied life unseen. 
Meanwhile from side to side of them 
The trees began their way to hem, 
As still he gazed from tree to tree, 
And when he turned back presently 
He saw before him like a wall 
Uncounted tree-trunks dim and tall. 
Then with their melancholy sound 
The odorous spruce woods met around 
Those wayfarers, and when he turned 
Once more, far off the sunlight burned 
In star-like spots, while from o'erhead. 
Dim twilight through the boughs was shed. 

Not there as yet had Michael been, 
Nor had he left the meadows green 
Dotted about with spreading trees, 
And fresh with sun and rain and breeze. 
For those murk woods, and still his eyes 



1 1 2 THE EAR THE V PARADISE. 

Gazed round about for mysteries. 

Since many an old wife's tale he knew ; 

Huge wood-cutters in raiment blue, 

The remnant of a mighty race, 

The ancient masters of the place. 

And hammering trolls he looked to see, 

And dancers of the faerie, 

Who, as the ancient stories told. 

In front were lovely to behold. 

But empty shells seen from behind. 

So on they rode until the wind 
Had died out stifled by the trees, 
And Michael mid those images 
Of strange things made alive by fear, 
Grew drowsy in the forest drear ; 
Nor noted how the time went past 
Until they nigh had reached at last 
The borders of the spruce-tree wood ; 
And with a tingling of the blood 
Samuel bethought him of the day 
When turned about the other way 
He carried him he rode with now. 
For the firs ended on the brow 
Of a rough, gravelly hill, and there 
Lay a small valley nowise fair 
Beneath them, clear at first of all 
But brake, till amid rushes tall 
Down in the bottom alders grew 
Crabbed and rough ; and winding through 
The clayey mounds a brook there was 
Oozy and foul, half choked with grass. 

There now the Squire awhile drew rein, 
And noted how the ground again 
Rose up upon the other side, 
And saw a green glade opening wide 
'Twixt oaks and hollies, and he knew 
Full well what place it led unto ; 
Withal he heard the bittern's boom. 
And though without the fir-wood's gloom 
They now were come, yet red and low 
The sun above the trees did show. 
And, in despite of hardihead. 
The old squire had a mortal dread 
Of lying in the wood alone 
When that was done that should be done. 



THE MAN BORN TO BE KING. 113 

Now Michael, wakened by the wind, 
Clutched tighter at the belt behind, 
And with wide eyes was staring round, 
When Samuel said, " Get to the ground, 
My horse shall e'en sink deep enow, 
Without thy body, in this slough ; 
And haste thee, or we both shall lie 
Beneath the trees, and be as dry 
As autumn dew can make us. Haste ! 
The time is short for thee to waste." 

Then from the horse the boy did glide, 
And slowly down the valley-side 
They went, and Michael, wakened now, 
Sang such rude songs as he might know, 
Grown fresh and joyous of his life ; 
While Samuel, clutching at the knife 
About his neck that hung, again 
Down in the bottom tightened rein, 
And turning, in a hoarse voice said, 
* ' My girths are loosening, by my head ! 
Come nigh and draw them tighter, lad." 

Then Michael stayed his carol glad. 
And noting little in his mirth 
The other's voice, unto the girth 
Without a word straight set his hand : 
But as with bent head he did stand. 
Straining to tighten what was tight, 
In Samuel's hand the steel flashed bright, 
And fell, deep-smitten in his side, 
Then, leaping back, the poor lad cried, 
As if for help, and staggering fell, 
With wide eyes fixed on Samuel ; 
Who, none the less grown deadly pale, 
Lit down, lest that should not avail 
To slay him, and beside him knelt. 
And since his eyes were closed now, felt 
His heart that beat yet : therewithal 
His hand upon the knife did falL 
But, ere his fingers clutched it well, 
Far off he seemed to hear a bell. 
And trembling knelt upright again. 
And listening listened not in vain, 
For clear he heard a tinkling sound. 
Then to his horse from off the ground 
He leapt, nor reasoned with his dread, 
But thought the angel of the dead 
8 



114 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

Was drawing nigh the slayer to slay, 
Ere scarce the soul had passed away. 
One dreadful moment yet he heard 
That bell, then like a madman spurred 
His noble horse ; that, maddened too, 
The close-set fir-wood galloped through, 
Not stayed by any stock or stone, 
Until, the furious race being done, 
Anigh the bridge he fell down dead ; 
And Samuel, mazed with guilt and dread, 
Wandered afoot throughout the night, 
But came, at dawning of the light, 
Half dead unto the palace gate. 

There till the opening did he wait ; 
Then, by the King's own signet-ring. 
He gained the chamber of the King, 
And painfully what he had done 
He told, and how the thing had gone. 
And said withal : " Yet is he dead. 
And surely that which made my dread 
Shall give thee joy ; for doubt not aught 
That bell the angels to him brought. 
That he in Abraham's breast might lie — 
So ends, O King, the prophecy." 

Nathless the King scowled, ill content, 
And said, ' ' I deemed that I had sent 
A man of war to do my will. 
Who lacked for neither force nor skill, 
And thou com'st w^ith a woman's face. 
Bewildered with thy desperate race. 
And made an idiot with thy fear, 
Nor bring'st me any token here ! " 

Therewith he rose and gat away, 
But brooding on it through that day. 
Thought that all things went not so ill 
As first he deemed, and that he still 
Might leave his old line flourishing. 
Therewith both gold and many a thing 
Unto old Samuel he gave. 
But thereby failed his life to save ; 
Who, not so old in years as sin, 
Died ere the winter, and within 
The minster choir was laid asleep. 
With carven saints his head to keep. 

And so the days and years went by. 



THE MAN BORN TO BE KING. 115 

And still in great felicity 
The King dwelt, wanting only this — 
A son wherewith to share his bliss, 
And reign when he was dead and gone. 
Nor had he daughter, save that one 
Born on the night when Michael first, 
Forlorn, alone, and doubly cursed, 
Felt on him this world's bitter air. 

This daughter, midst fair maids most fair, 
Was not yet wed, though at this time, 
Being come unto her maiden's prime, 
She looked upon her eighteenth May. 

Midst this her mother passed away, 
Not much lamented of the King, 
Who had the thought of marrying 
Some dame more fertile, and who sent 
A wily man with this intent 
To spy the countries out and find 
Some great king's daughter, wise and kind, 
And fresh, and fair, in face and limb, 
In all things a fit mate for him. 

So in short time it came to pass 
Again the King well wedded was. 
And hoped once more to have a son. 

And when this fair dame he had won, 
A year in peace he dwelt with her, 
Until the time was drawing near 
When first his eyes beheld that foe 
He deemed was dead these years ago. 
Now at that time, as custom was, 
His daughter was about to pass 
Unto a distant house of his. 
Some king had built for worldly bliss 
In ancient days : there, far removed 
From courts or towns, the dame he loved 
The dead king had been wont to see 
Play mid the summer greenery. 
Or like Erigone of old 
Stand in the vineyards girt with gold, 
To queen it o'er the vintagers. 
Half worshipping that face of hers. 
Long years agone these folk were passed, 
Their crimes forgotten, or else cast 
Into the glowing crucible 
Of time, that tempers all things well, 



Ii6 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

That maketb pleasure out of pain, 
And out of ruin golden gain ; 
Nathless, unshaken still, there stood 
The towers and ramparts red as blood ; 
Wherein their lives had passed away ; 
And still the lovely gardens lay 
About them, changed, but smiling still 
As in past time, on good or ill. 

Thither the Princess Cecily 
Must go awhile in peace to be ; 
For now, midst care, and doubt, and toil, 
Proud words drawn back, and half-healed broil, 
The King had found one meet to wed 
His daughter, of great goodlihead, 
Wealth, and unbroken royalty. 
And now he said to her, when she 
Was setting out for that fair place, 
" O daughter, thou shalt see my face 
Before a month is fully gone, 
Nor wilt thou see me then alone ; 
For that man shall be with me then, 
Whom I have chosen from all men 
To give my dearest treasure to. 
Most fain he is to look on you. 
Nor need'st thou fear him for thy part, 
Who holdeth many a woman's heart 
As the net holds the silvery fish. 
Farewell, — and all things thou may'st wish 
I pray God grant thee. " 

Therewithal 
He kissed her, and from out the hall 
She passed, not shamefaced, or afraid 
Of what might happen ; though, indeed, 
Her heart of no man's heart had need 
To make her happy, as she thought. 

Ever the new sun daily brought 
Fresh joy of life to her bedside. 
The world before her open wide 
Was spread, a place for joy and bliss. 
Her lips had trembled with no kiss. 
Wherewith love slayeth fear and shame ; 
Her gray eyes, conscious of no blame, 
Beheld unmoved the eyes of men ; 
Her hearing grew no dimmer when 
Some unused footstep she might hear ; 



THE MAN BORN TO BE KING. 117 

And unto no man was she dear, 

But as some goddess might have been 

When Greek men worshipped many a queen 

Now with her armed folk forth she rode 
Unto that ancient fair abode, 
And while the lark sung o'er the corn, 
Love gilded not the waning morn ; 
And w^hen the sun rose high above, 
High thoughts she thought, but not of love ; 
And when that sun the world did leave, 
He left no love to light the eve. 
The moon no melancholy brought. 
The dawn no vain, remorseful thought. 
But all untroubled her sweet face 
Passed 'neath the gate of that old place, 
And there her bridegroom she abode. 

But scarce was she upon the road 
Ere news unto the King was brought 
That Peter, the old abbot, sought 
To see him, having newly come 
From the wild place that was his home 
Across the forest ; so the King 
Bade him to enter, well willing 
To hear what he might have to say ; 
Who, entering the hall straightway. 
Had with him an old, reverend man. 
The sub-prior, Father Adrian, 
And five monks more, and therewithal 
Ten of his folk, stout men and tall, 
Who bore armed staves and coats of fence. 

So, when he came to audience. 
He prayed the King of this or that, 
Whereof my tale-teller forgat. 
And graciously the King heard all. 
And said at last, " Well, what may fall, 
Thou go'st not hence, fair lord, to-day ; 
Unless in vain a king must pray. 
Thou and thy monks shall eat with me ; 
While feast thine axe-men merrily." 

Withal, he eyed the abbot's folk 
In careless mood, then once more spoke, 
"Tall men thou feedest, by the rood ! 
Lord Abbot, come they from the wood ? 
Dwell many more such thereabout? 



1 18 THE EARTHL Y PARADISE, 

Fain were I such should swell the shout 
When I am armed, and rank meets rank." 

But as he spoke his loud voice sank 
Wavering, nor heard he aught at all 
Of the faint noises of the hall, 
Or what the monk in answer said ; 
For, looking from a steel-clad head, 
Those eyes again did he behold, 
That erst from 'neath the locks of gold 
Kindly and bold, but soft with awe, 
Beneath the apple-boughs he saw. 

But when for sure this thing he knew 
Pale to the very lips he grew. 
Till gathering heart within a while 
With the faint semblance of a smile, 
He seemed to note the Abbot's words 
That he heard not ; then from the lords 
He turned, and facing Michael said, 
*' Raise up the steel cap from thine head, 
That I may see if thou look'st bold ; 
Methinks I know thy face of old, 
W^hence com'st thou V 

Michael lifted straight 
From off his brow the steel cap's weight. 
And showed the bright locks curling round 
His fresh and ruddy face, sunbrowned, 
And in a voice clear as a bell. 
Told all his story, till he fell 
Sore wounded in that dismal vale. 
And said withal, *' My lord, the tale 
Of what came after, none knoweth 
Better than he who from ill death 
Saved me that tide, and made me man, 
My lord, the sub-prior Adrian. '' 

" Speak on then, father," quoth the King, 
Making as he was still hearkening. 
*' My lord," said Adrian, " I, who then 
Was but a server of poor men. 
Outside our Abbey walls, one day 
Was called by one in poor array, 
A charcoal-burner's lad, who said 
That soon his father would be dead. 
And that of all things he would have 
His rights, that he his soul might save. 
I made no tarrying at that word. 
But took between mine hands the Lord, 



THE MAN BORN TO BE KING, 119 

And bade the boy bear forth the bell ; 
For though few folk there were to tell 
Who passed that way, nathless, I trow 
The beasts were glad that news to know. 

" Well, by the pine-wood^s skirts we went 
While through its twilight the bell sent 
A heavenly tinkling ; but the lad 
'Gan telling me of fears he had 
Of elves who dwell within the wood. 
I chid him thereat, as was good, 
Bidding him note Whom in mine hands 
I held, The Ransom of all Lands. 
But as the fir-wood's dim twilight 
Waxed into day, and fair and bright 
The evening sun showed through the trees, 
Our ears, fanned by the evening breeze, 
The galloping of horse-hoofs heard, 
Wherewith my page hung back afeard 
Of elves and such like ; but I said, 
' Wilt thou thy father should be dead 
Ere we can reach him ? O my son, 
Fear not that aught can stay This One. ' 

'* Therewith I smote my mule, and he 
Ran forward with me hastily 
As fearing to be left behind. 
Well, as we went, what should we find 
Down by the stream, but this my son, 
Who seemed as though his days were done ; 
For in his side a knife there stood 
Wherefrom ran out a stream of blood, 
Soaking the grass and water-mint ; 
Then, I dismounting, we by dint 
Of all our strength the poor youth laid 
Upon my mule, and down a glade 
Of oaks and hollies then we passed. 
And reached the woodman's home at last ; 
A poor hut, built of wattled wood. 
And by its crooked gable stood 
A ruinous shed, unroofed and old, 
That beasts of burden once did hold. 
— Thyself, my lord, may'st know it well, 
Since thereabout the wild swine dwell ; 
And hart, and hind, and roe are there. — 
So the lad's wounds I stanched with care 
Forthwith, and then the man I shrived, 
Who none the less got well and lived 



I20 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

For many a day : then back I went, 

And the next day our leech I sent 

With drugs to tend upon the lad. 

Who soon was as he ne'er had had 

A hurt at all : and he being well 

We took him in our house to dwell, 

And taught him letters, and, indeed, 

Before long, Latin could he read 

As well as I ; but hath no will 

To turn unto religion still. 

Yet is he good and doth no wrong ; 

And being thereto both hale and strong. 

My lord, the Abbot, sayeth of him, 

' He shall serve God with heart and limb. 

Not heart and voice. ' Therefore, my lord. 

Thou seest him armed with spear and sword 

For their defence who feed him still, 

Teach him, and guard his soul from ill. 

Ho, Michael ! hast thou there with thee 

The fair-wrought knife I first did see 

Deep in thy side ? — there, show it now 

Unto the King, that he may know 

Our tale is not a fabled thing. " 

Withal the King, as one listening. 
With his thin, anxious face and pale, 
Sat leaning forward through this tale, 
Scarce noting here and there a word. 
But all being told, at last he heard 
His own voice changed, and harsh, and low, 
That said, " Fair lord, I fain would know, 
Since this your man-at-arms seems true, 
What thing will he be worth to you ; 
For better had he wear my rose 
Than loiter in your Abbey-close, 
Poring o'er books no man can read." 

*' O sire ! " the monk said, '* if your need 
Be great of such men, let him go ; 
My men-at-arms need make no show 
Of fairness, nor should ladies miss. 
E'en as thou say'st, such men as this." 

Laughing he spoke ; the King the while 
His pale face puckering to a smile ; 
Then, as in some confused dream. 
In Michael's hand he saw the gleam 
Of that same steel remembered well. 
The gift he gave to Samuel ; 



THE MAN BORN TO BE KING, 121 I 

Drawn from his father's ancient chest 

To do that morn his own behest. 

And as he now beheld its sheen, 

The twining stem of gold and green, 

The white scroll with the letters black, — 

Strike ! for no dead man cometh back ! 

He hardened yet his heart once more, 

And grown unhappy as before. 

When last he had that face in sight, 

Brought now the third time to the light. 

Once more grew treacherous, fierce, and fell. 

Now was the Abbot feasted well 
With all his folk, then w^ent away, 
But Michael clad in rich array 
Became the King's man, and was thought 
By all most happy to be brought 
Unto such hopeful fair estate. 

For ten days yet the King did wait, 
Which past, for Michael did he send, j 

And he being come, said to him, " Friend, f |j 

Take now this letter from my hand 
And go unto our southern land ; 
My captain Hugh shall go with the6 
For one day's journey, then shall he 
Tell thee which way thou hast to ride ; 
The third day thence about noontide, 
If thou dost well, thou shouldst be close 
Unto my Castle of the Rose 
Where dwells my daughter ; needs it is 
That no man living should see this 
Until that thou within my wall 
Hast given it to the seneschal ; 
Be wise and wary then, that thou 
May'st think of this that happeneth now 
As birthday to thine high estate." 

So said he, knowing not that fate 
Was dealing otherwise than he. 

But Michael going presently 
Met Hugh, a big man rough and black, ' 

And who of naught but words had lack, 
With him he mounted, and set forth 
And daylong rode on from the north. 

Now if the King had hope that Hugh 
Some deed like Samuel's might do, 
I know not, certes naught he said 



122 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

To that hard heart and narrow head. 
Who knew no wiles but wiles of war, 
And was as true as such men are ; 
Yet had there been a tale to tell 
If Michael had not held him well, 
And backward still the wrath had turned 
Wherewith his heart not seldom burned 
At scornful words his fellow said. 

At last they reached cross-ways that led 
One west, one southward still, whereat 
Hugh, taking off his feathered hat, 
Bowed low in scorn, and said, " Fair sir, 
Unto the westward must I spur, 
While you go southward, soon to get, 
I doubt not, an earl's coronet ; 
Farewell, my lord, and yet beware 
Thou dost not at my lady stare 
Too hard, lest thou shouldst plumb the moat, 
Or have a halter round thy throat. " 

But Michael to his scoff said naught, 
But upon high things set his thought 
As his departing hoofs he heard. 
And still betwixt the hedge-rows spurred, 
And when the twilight was o'erpast 
At a small inn drew rein at last, 
And slept that night as such folk can ; 
And while next morn the thrushes ran 
Their first course through the autumn dew, 
The gossamers did he dash through. 
And on his way rode steadily 
The livelong day, nor yet was he 
Alone, as well might be that day 
Since a fair town was in his way. 
Stout hinds he passed, and yeomen good, 
Some friar in his heavy hood, 
And well- coifed housewives mounted high 
Above their maunds, while merrily 
The well-shod damsel trudged along 
Beside them, sending forth some song 
As little taught as is a bird's ; 
And good men, good wives, priests, and herds, 
And merry maids, failed not to send 
Good wishes for his journey's end 
Unto him as still on he sped. 
Free from all evil thoughts or dread. 



THE MAN BORN TO BE KING, 123 

Withal again the day went by, 
And in that city's hostelry 
H' jslept, and by the dawn of day 
Next morn again was on his way, 
And leaving the scarce-wakened street 
The newly risen sun did greet 
With cheerful heart. His way wound on 
Still up and up till he had won 
Up to a great hilFs chalky brow, 
Whence looking back he saw below 
The town spread out, church, square, and street, 
And baily, crawling up the feet 
Of the long yew-b^sprinkled hill ; 
And in the fragrant air and still. 
Seeming to gain new life from it, 
The doves from roof to roof did flit : 
The early fires sent up their smoke 
That seemed to him to tell of folk 
New wakened unto great delight : 
For he upon that morning bright. 
So joyous felt, so free from pain. 
He seemed as he were born again 
Into some new immortal state 
That knew no envy, fear, or hate. 

Now the road turned to his left hand 
And led him through a table-land, 
Windy and barren of all grain ; 
But where a hollow specked the plain 
The yew-trees hugged the sides of it, 
And mid them did the woodlark flit 
Or sang well -sheltered from the wind, 
And ail about the sheep did find 
Sweet grass, the while the shepherd's song 
Rang clear as Michael sped along. 

Long time he rode, till suddenly. 
When now the sun was broad and high, 
From out a hollow where the yew 
Still guarded patches of the dew. 
He found at last that he had won 
That highland's edge, and gazed upon 
A valley that beneath the haze 
Of that most fair of autumn days 
Showed glorious ; fair with golden sheaves. 
Rich with the darkened autumn leaves. 
Gay with the water-meadows green. 
The bright blue streams that lay between, 



124. THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

The miles of beauty stretched away 
From that bleak hillside bare and gray, 
Till white cliffs over slopes of vine 
Drew 'gainst the sky a broken line. 
And 'twixt the vineyards and the stream 
Michael saw gilded spirelets gleam ; 
For, hedged with many a flowery close, 
There lay the Castle of the Rose, 
His hm-ried jomiiey's aim and end. 

Then downward he began to wend, 
And ^twixt the flowery hedges sweet 
He heard the hook smite down thfe wheat. 
And murmur of the unseen folk ; 
But when he reached the stream that broke 
The golden plain, but leisurely 
He passed the bridge, for he could see 
The masters of that ripening realm. 
Cast down beneath an ancient elm 
Upon a little strip of grass, 
From hand to hand the pitcher pass, 
While on the turf beside them lay 
The ashen-handled sickles gray. 
The matters of their cheer between : 
Slices of white cheese, specked with green, 
And green-striped onions and rye-bread. 
And summer apples faintly red. 
Even beneath the crimson skin ; 
And yellow grapes, well ripe and thin. 
Plucked from the cottage gable-end. 

And certes Michael felt their friend 
Hearing their voices, nor forgot 
His boyhood and the pleasant spot 
Beside the well-remembered stream ; 
And friendly did this water seem 
As through its white-flowered weeds it ran 
Bearing good things to beast and man. 

Yea, as the parapet he passed, 
And they a greeting toward him cast, 
Once more he felt a boy again ; 
As though beneath the harvest wain 
He was asleep, by that old stream, 
And all these things were but a dream, — 
The King, the squire, the hurrying ride 
Unto the lonely quagmire side ; 



THE MAN BORN TO BE KING, 125 

The sudden pain, the deadly swoon, 
The feverish hfe from noon to noon ; 
The tending of the kind old man, 
The black and white Dominican, 
The hour before the Abbot's throne, 
The poring o'er old books alone, 
In summer morn ; the King again. 
The envious greetings of strange men, 
This mighty horse and rich array. 
This journey on an unknown way. 

Surely he thought to wake from it, 
And once more by the wagon sit, 
Blinking upon the sunny mill. 

But not for either good or ill 
Shall he see one of all those days ; 
On through the quivering noontide haze 
He rode, and now on either hand 
Heavy with fruit the trees did stand ; 
Nor had he ridden long, ere he 
The red towers of the house could see 
Gray on the wind -beat southern side : 
And soon the gates thrown open wide 
He saw, the long-fixed drawbridge down, 
The moat, with lilies overgrown. 
Midst which the gold-scaled fishes lay : 
Such peace was there for many a day. 

And deep within the archway's shade. 
The warder on his cloak was laid, 
Dozing, one hand upon a harp. 
And nigh him a great golden carp 
Lay stiff, with all his troubles done, 
Drawn from the moat ere yet the sun 
Was high, and nigh him was his bane, 
An angling-rod of Indian cane. 

Now hearing Michael's horse-hoofs smite 
The causeway, shading from the light 
His eyes, as one scarce yet awake, 
He made a shift his spear to take. 
And, eying Michaers badge the while. 
Rose up, and with a lazy smile 
Said, "Ho ! fair sir, abide, abide, 
And show why hither ward ye ride 
Unto my lady's royal home. " 
Said Michael, " From the King I come. 
As by my badge ye well may see ; 
And letters have I here with me ^. ,y<j 



126 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

To give my lord the seneschal." 

" Yea," said the man. " But in the hall 
He feasteth now ; what haste is there ? 
Certes full quickly cometh care ; 
And sure I am he will not read 
Thy letters, or to aught give heed 
Till he has played out all the play, 
And every guest has gone away ; 
So thou, O damoiseau, must wait ; 
Tie up thine horse anigh the gate, 
And sit with me, and thou shalt hear 
The Kaiser lieth on his bier. 
Thou laughest, — hast thou never heard 
Of this same valorous Red Beard, 
And how he died ? well, I can sing 
Of many another dainty thing, 
Thou wilt not a long while forget, 
The budget is not empty yet. 
Peter ! I think thou mockest me. 
But thou art young and fair, perdie, 
I wish thee luck, — well, thou may'st go 
And feel the afternoon wind blow 
Within Dame Bertha's pleasance here ; 
She who was held so lief and dear. 
All this was built but for her sake. 
Who made the hearts of men to ache ; 
And dying full of years and shame 
Yet left an 'unforgotten name, — 
God rest her soul ! " 

Michael the while 
Hearkened his talking witli a smile. 
Then said, ' ' O friend, I think to hear 
Both ' The King lieth 07t his bier ' 
And many another song of thee. 
Ere I depart ; but now show me 
The pleasance of the ancient queen, 
For these red towers above the green 
Show like the gates of paradise, 
That surely somewhere through them lies." 

Then said the warder, ' ' That may be 
If thou know'st what may come to thee. — 
When past the drawbridge thou hast gone, 
Upon the left three steps of stone 
Lead to a path beneath the wall 
Of the great court, that folk now call 
The falconer's path, nor canst thou miss 



THE MAN BORN TO BE KING, 127 

Going thereby, to find the bliss 

Thou look'st for, since the path ends there, 

And through a wicket gilded fair 

The garden lies where thou w^ouldst be : 

Nor will I fail to come to thee 

Whene'er my lord the seneschal 

Shall pass well-fed from out the hall. " 

Then Michael, thanking him, passed on, 
And soon the gilded wicket won, 
And entered that pleasance sweet, 
And wandered there with wary feet 
And open mouth, as though he deemed 
That in some lovely dream he dreamed, 
And feared to wake to common day, 
So fair was all ; and e'en decay 
Brought there but pensive loveliness, 
Where autumn those old walls did bless 
With wealth of fruit, and through the grass 
Unscared the spring-born thrush did pass, 
Who yet knew naught of winter-tide. 

So wandering, to a fountain's side 
He came, and o'er the basin hung, 
Watching the fishes, as he sung 
Some song remembered from of old. 
Ere yet the miller won that gold. 
But soon made drowsy with his ride. 
And the warm, hazy autumn- tide. 
And many a musical sweet sound. 
He cast him down upon the ground, 
And watched the glittering water leap, 
Still singing low, nor thought to sleep. 

But scarce three minutes had gone by 
Before, as if in mockery. 
The starling chattered o'er his head. 
And nothing he remembered. 
Nor dreamed of aught that he had seen. 

4 

Meanw^hile unto that garden green 
Had come the Princess, and with her 
A maiden that she held right dear, 
Wlio knew the inmost of her mind. 
Now those twain, as the scented wind 
Played with their raiment or their hair, 
Had late been running here and there, 
Chasing each other merrily, 
As maids do, thinking no one by ; 



128 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

But now, well wearied therewithal, 
Had let their gathered garraents fall 
About their feet, and slowly went : 
And through the leaves a murmur sent, 
As of two happy doves that sing 
The soft returning of the spring. 

Now of these twain the Princess spoke 
The less, but into laughter broke 
Not seldom, and would redden oft, 
As on" her lips her fingers soft 
She laid, as still the other maid. 
Half grave, half smiling, follies said. 

So in their walk they drew anigh 
That fountain in the 'midst, whereby 
Lay Michael sleeping, dreaming naught 
Of such fair things so nigh him brought ; 
They, when the fountain shaft was passed, 
Beheld him on the ground downcast. 
And stopped at first, until the maid 
Stepped lightly forward to the shade, 
And when she had gazed there awhile 
Came running back again, a smile 
Parting her lips, and her bright eyes 
Afire with many fantasies ; 
And ere the Lady Cecily 

Could speak a word, *' Hush ! hush ! " said she ; 
"Did I not say that he would come 
To woo thee in thy peaceful home 
Before thy father brought him here ? 
Come, and behold him, have no fear ! 
The great bell would not wake him now, 
Right in his ears." 

" Nay, what dost thou? " 
The Princess said ; "let us go hence ; 
Thou know'st I give obedience 
To what my father bids ; but I 
A maid full fain would live and die. 
Since I am born to be a queen. " 

* ' Yea, yea, for such as thou hast seen, 
That may be well," the other said. 
" But come now, come ; for by my head 
This one must be from Paradise ; 
Come swiftly then, if thou art wise 
Ere aught can snatch him back again. " 

She caught her hand, and not in vain 
She prayed ; for now some kindly thought 



THE MAN BORN TO BE KING. 129 

To Cecily's brow fair color brought, 
And quickly 'gan her heart to beat 
As Love drew near those eyes to greet, 
Who knew him not till that sweet hour. 

So over the fair, pink-edged flower, 
Softly she stepped ; but when she came 
Anigh the sleeper, lovely shame 
Cast a soft mist before her eyes 
Full filled of many fantasies. 
But when she saw him lying there 
* She smiled to see her mate so fair ; 
And in her heart did Love begin 
To tell his tale, nor thought she sin 
To gaze on him that was her own, 
Not doubting he was come alone 
To woo her, whom midst arms and gold 
She deemed she should at first behold ; 
And with that thought love grew again 
Until departing was a pain. 
Though fear grew with that growing love, 
And with her lingering footsteps strove 
As from the place she turned to go. 
Sighing and rtiurmuring words full low. 
But as her raiment's hem she raised, 
And for her merry fellow gazed 
Shamefaced and changed, she met her eyes 
Turned grave and sad with ill surprise ; 
Who while the princess mazed did stand 
Had drawn from Michael's loosened band 
The King's scroll, which she held out now 
To Cecily, and whispered low, 
" Read, and do quickly what thou wilt, — 
Sad, sad ! such fair life to be spilt : 
Come further first." 

With that they stepped 
A pace or two from where he slept. 
And then she read, 

*' Lord Seneschal, 
On thee and thine may all good fall ; 
Greeting hereby the King sendeth. 
And biddeth thee to put to death 
His enemy who beareth this ; 
And as thou lovest life and bliss. 
And all thy goods thou boldest dear, 
Set thou his head upon a spear 
9 



130 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

A good half-furlong from the gate, 
Our coming hitherward to wait, — 
So perish the King's enemies ! " 

She read, and scarcely had her eyes 
Seen clear her father's name and seal, 
Ere all love's power her heart did feel,- 
That drew her back in spite of shame, 
To him who was not e^en a name 
Unto her a short hour agone. 
Panting she said, " Wait thou alone 
Beside him, watch him carefully 
And let him sleep if none draw nigh : 
If of himself he waketh, then 
Hide him until I come again, 
When thou hast told him of the snare, — 
If thou betrayest me, beware ! 
For death shall be the least of all 
The ills that on thine head shall fall. — 
What say I ? — thou art dear to me, 
And doubly dear now shalt thou be, 
Thou shalt have power and majesty, 
And be more queen in all than I. — 
Few words are best, be wise, be wise ! " 

Withal she turned about her eyes 
Once more, and swiftly as a man 
Betwixt the garden trees she ran. 
Until, her own bower reached at last. 
She made good haste, and quickly passed 
Unto her secret treasury. 
There, hurrying since the time was nigh 
For folk to come from meat, she took 
From 'twixt the leaves of a great book 
A royal scroll, signed, sealed, but blank, 
Then, with a hand that never shrank 
Or trembled, she the scroll did fill 
With these words, writ with clerkly skill, — 
" Unto the Seneschal, Sir Rafe, 
Who holdeth our fair castle safe. 
Greeting and health ! O well-beloved, 
Know that at this time we are moved 
To wed our daughter, so we send 
Him who bears this, our perfect friend. 
To be her bridegroom ; so do thou 
Ask naught of him, since well we know 
His race and great nobility, 



THE MAN BORN TO BE KING. 131 

And how he is most fit to be 
Our son ; therefore make no delay, 
But wed the twain upon the day 
Thou readest this : and see that all 
Take oath to him, whate'er shall fall 
To do his bidding as our heir -, 
So doing still be lief and dear 
As I have held thee yet to be." 
She cast the pen down hastily 
At that last letter, for she heard 
How even now the people stirred 
Within the hall : nor dared she think 
What bitter potion she must drink 
If now she failed, so falsely bold 
That life or death did she infold 
Within its cover, making shift 
To seal it with her father's gift, 
A signet of carnelian. 

Then swiftly down the stairs she ran 
And reached the garden ; but her fears 
Brought shouts and thunder to her ears, 
That were but lazy words of m.en 
Full-fed, far off; nay, even when 
Her limbs caught up her flying gown 
The noise seemed loud enough to drown 
The twitter of the autumn birds, 
And her own muttered breathless words 
That to her heart seemed loud indeed. 

Yet therewithal she made good speed 
And reached the fountain seen of none. 
Where yet abode her friend alone, 
Watching the sleeper, who just now 
Turned in his sleep and muttered low. 
Therewith fair Agnes saying naught 
From out her hand the letter caught ; 
And while she leaned against the stone 
Stole up to Michael's side alone. 
And with a cool, unshrinking hand 
Thrust the new scroll deep in his band, 
And turned about unto her friend ; 
Who, having come unto the end 
Of all her courage, trembled there 
With face upturned for fresher air, 
And parted lips grown gray and pale, 
And limbs that now began to fail, 



132 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

And hands wlierefrom all strength had gone, 
Scarce fresher than the blue-veined stone 
That feeble still she strove to clutch. 

But v^hen she felt her lady's touch, 
Feebly she said, * ' Go ! let me die 
And end this sudden misery 
That in such vv^ise has wrapped my life, 
I am too weak for such a strife, 
So sick I am with shame and fear ; 
Would thou hadst never brought me here ! " 

But Agnes took her hand and said, 
* ' Nay, Queen, and must we three be dead 
Because thou fearest ? All is safe 
If boldly thou wilt face Sir Rafe." 

So saying, did she draw her hence. 
Past tree and bower, and high pleached fence 
Unto the garden's further end, 
And left her there, and back did wend. 
And from the house made haste to get 
A gilded maund wherein she set 
A flask of ancient island wine, 
Ripe fruits and wh eaten manchets fine, 
And many such a delicate 
As goddesses in old time ate. 
Ere Helen was a Trojan queen ; 
So passing through the garden green 
She cast her eager eyes again 
Upon the spot where he had lain. 
But found it empty, so sped on 
Till she at last the place had won 
Where Cecily lay weak and white 
Within that fair bower of dehght. 

Her straight she made to eat and drink, 
And said, " See now thou dost not shrink 
From this thy deed ; let love slay fear 
Now, when thy life shall grow so dear, 
Each minute should seem loss to thee 
If thou for thy felicity 
Couldst stay to count them ; for I say. 
This day shall be thy happy day." 

Therewith she smiled to see the wine 
Embraced by her fingers fine ; 
And her sweet face grow bright again 
With sudden pleasure after pain. 

Again she spoke, " What is this word 
That, dreaming, I perchance have heard, 



THE MAN BORN TO BE KING. 133 

But certainly remember well ; 
That some old soothsayer did tell 
Strange things unto my lord, the King, 
That on thy hand the spousal ring 
No Kaiser's son, no King should set, 
But one a peasant did beget, — 
What say'st thou ? " 

But the Queen flushed red ; 
** Such fables I have heard," she said ; 
'* And thou — is it such scath to me, 
The bride of such a man to be ? " 

*' Nay," said she, '* God will have him King ; 
How shall we do a better thing 
With this or that one than He can ? 
God's friend must be a goodly man." 

But with that word she heard the sound 
Of folk who through the mazes wound 
Bearing the message ; then she said, 
*' Be strong, pluck up thine hardihead, 
Speak little, so shall all be well. 
For now our own tale will they tell. " 

And even as she spoke they came, 
And all the green place was aflame 
With golden raiment of the lords ; 
While Cecily, noting not their words, 
Rose up to go ; and for her part 
By this had fate so steeled her heart. 
Scarce otherwise she seemed, than when 
She passed before the eyes of men 
At tourney or high festival. 
But when they now had reached the hall, 
And up its very steps they went, 
Her head a little down she bent ; 
Nor raised it till the dais was gained 
For fear that love some monster feigned 
To be a god, and she should be 
Smit by her own bolt wretchedly. 
But at the rustling, crowded dais 
She gathered heart her eyes to raise. 
And there beheld her love, indeed. 
Clad in her father's serving weed. 
But proud, and flushed, and calm withal, 
Fearless of aught that might befall. 
Nor too astonied, for he thought, — 
" From point to point my life is brought 



134 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

Through wonders till it comes to this ; 

And trouble cometh after bliss, 

And I will bear all as I may, 

And ever, as day passeth day. 

My life will hammer from the twain, 

Forging a long-enduring chain. " 

But midst these thoughts their young eyes met, 
And eveiy word did he forget 
Wherewith men name unhappiness, 
As read again those words did bless 
With double blessings his glad ears, 
And if she trembled with her fears, 
And if with doubt, and love, and shame, 
The rosy color went and came 
In her sweet cheeks and smooth bright brow, 
Little did folk think of it now. 
But as of maiden modesty, 
Shamefaced to see the bridegroom nigh. 

And now when Rafe the Seneschal 
Had read the message down the Hall, 
And turned to her, quite calm again 
Her face had grown, and with no pain 
She raised her serious eyes to his, 
Grown soft and pensive with his bliss, 
And said : 

*' Prince, thou art welcome here, 
Where all my father loves is dear. 
And full trust do I put in thee. 
For that so great nobility 
He knoweth in thee ; be as kind 
As I would be to thee, and find 
A happy life from day to day, 
Till all our days are passed away." 

What more than found the bystanders 
He found within this speech of hers, 
I know not ; some faint quivering 
In the last words ; some little thing 
That checked the cold words' even flow. 
But yet they set his heart aglow, 
And he in turn said eagerly : — 

" Surely I count it naught to die 
For him who brought me unto this ; 
For thee, who givest me this bliss ; 
Yea, even dost me such a grace 
To look with kind eyes in my face. 
And send sweet music to my ears. " 



THE MAN BORN TO BE KING, 135 

But at his words she, mazed with tears, 
Seemed faint, and faiUng quickly, when 
Above the low hum of the men 
Uprose the sweet bells' sudden clang, 
As men unto the chapel rang ; 
While just outside the singing folk 
Into most heavenly carols broke. 
And going softly up the hall 
Boys bore aloft the verges tall 
Before the bishop's gold-clad head. 

Then forth his bride young Michael led. 
And naught to him seemed good or bad 

Except the lovely hand he had ; |!|j 

But she the while was murmuring low, 
*' If he could know, if he could know, 
What love, what love, his love should be ! " 

But while mid mirth and minstrelsy 
The ancient Castle of the Rose , 

Such pageant to the autumn shows ; 

The King sits ill at ease at home, ;| 

For in these days the news is come ' 

That he who in his line should wed 

Lies in his own town stark and dead, >; 

Slain in a tumult in the street. 

Brooding on this he deemed it meet. 
Since nigh the day was come when she 
Her bridegroom's visage looked to see, 
To hold the settled day with her. 
And bid her at the least to wear 

Dull mourning guise for gold and white. 1 

So (Hi another morning bright, 
When the whole promised month was past. 
He drew anigh the place at last 
Where Michael's dead head, looking down 
Upon the highway with a frown, 
He doubted not at last to see. 
So 'twixt the fruitful greenery 
He rode, scarce touched by care the while, 
Humming a roundel with a smile. 

Withal, ere yet he drew anigh. 
He heard their watch-horn sound from high 
Nor wondered, for their wont was so, 
And well his banner they might know 
Amidst the stubble-lands afar : 
But now a distant point of war 



136 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

He seemed to hear, and bade draw rein, 
But listening cried, " Push on again! 
They do but send forth minstrelsy 
Because my daughter thinks to see 
The man who lieth on his bier." 
So on they passed, till sharp and clear 
They heard the pipe and shrill fife sound ; 
And restlessly the King glanced round 
To see that he had striven for. 
The crushing of that sage's lore, 
The last confusion of that fate. 

But drawn still nigher to the gate 
They turned a sharp bend of the road, 
And saw the pageant that abode 
The solemn coming of the King. 

For first on each side, maids did sing, 
Dressed in gold raiment ; then there came 
The minstrels in their coats of flame ; 
And then the many-colored lords. 
The knights' spears, and the swordmen's swords, 
Backed by the glittering wood of bills. 

So now, presaging many ills, 
The King drew rein, yet none the less 
He shrank not from his hardiness, 
But thought, *' Well, at the worst I die, 
And yet perchance long life may lie 
Before me — I will hold my peace ; 
The dumb man's borders still increase." 

But as he strengthened thus his heart 
He saw the crowd before him part. 
And down the long melodious lane, 
Hand locked in hand there passed the twain, 
As fair as any earth has found, 
Clad as kings' children are, and crowned. 
Behind them went the chiefest lords, 
And two old knights with sheathed swords 
The banners of the kingdom bore. 

But now the King had pondered sore. 
By when they reached him, though, indeed, 
The time was short unto his need. 
Betwixt his heart's first startled pang 
And those old banner-bearers' clang 
Anigh his saddle-bow : but he 
Across their heads scowled heavily, 
Not saying aught awhile : at last, 



THE MAN BORN TO BE KING, 137 

Ere any glance at them he cast, 

He said, " Whence come ye ? what are ye ? 

What play is this ye play to me ? " 

None answered, — Cecily, faint and white, 
The rather Michael's hand clutched tight, 
And seemed to speak, but not one word 
The nearest to her could have heard. 
Then the King spoke again, — "Sir Rafe, 
Meseems this youngling came here safe 
A week agone ? " 

** Yea, sir," he said; 
" Therefore the twain I straight did wed, 
E'en as thy letters bound me to. " 
*' And thus thou diddest well to do," 
The King said, * ' Tell me on what day 
Her old life she did put away. " 

'' Sire, the eleventh day this is 
Since that they gained their earthly bliss,'' 
Quoth old Sir Rafe. The King said naught, 
But with his head bowed down in thought, 
Stood a long while ; but at the last 
Upward a smiling face he cast, 
And cried aloud above the folk ; 
*' Shout for the joining of the yoke 
Betwixt these twain ; and thou, fair lord, 
Who dost so well my every word, 
Nor makest doubt of anything. 
Wear thou the collar of thy King ; 
And a duke's banner, cut foursquare, 
Henceforth shall men before thee bear 
In tourney and in stricken field. 

*' But this mine heir shall bear my shield, 
Carry my banner, wear my crown, 
Ride equal with me through my town. 
Sit on the same step of the throne ; 
In nothing will I reign alone ; 
Nor be ye with him miscontent, 
For that with little ornament 
Of gold and folk to you he came ; 
For he is of an ancient name 
That needeth not the clink of gold — 
The ancientest the world doth hold ; 
For in the fertile Asian land. 
Where great Damascus now doth stand, 
Ages agone his line was born, 
Ere yet men knew the gift of corn ; 



138 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

And there, anigh to Paradise, 
His ancestors grew stout and wise ; 
And certes he from Asia bore 
No httle of their piercing lore. 

* ' Look then to have great happiness. 
For every wrong shall he redress. " 

Then did the people's shouting drown 
His clatter as he leapt adown, 
And, taking in each hand a hand 
Of the two lovers, now did stand 
Betwixt them on the flower-strewn way, 
And to himself meanwhile 'gan say, — 

* ' How many an hour might I have been 
Right meriy in the gardens green ; 
How many a glorious day had I 
Made happy with some victory ; 
What noble deeds I might have done, 
What bright renown my deeds have won ; 
What blessings w^ould have made me glad ; 
What little burdens had I had ; 
What calmness in the hope of praise ; 
What joy of well-accomplished days, 
If I had let these things alone ; 
Nor sought to sit upon my throne 
Like God between the cherubim. 
But now, — but now, my days wax dim, 
And all this fairness have I tost 
Unto the winds, and all have lost 
For naught, for naught ! yet will I strive 
My little end of life to live ; 
Nor will I look behind me more, 
Nor forward to the doubtful shore." 

With that he made the sign to turn, 
And straight the autumn air did burn 
With many a point of steel and gold ; 
And through the trees the carol rolled 
Once more, until the autumn thrush 
Far off 'gan twittering on his bush. 
Made mindful of the long-lived spring. 

So mid sweet song and taboring, 
And shouts amid the apple -grove, 
And soft caressing of his love. 



MARCH, 139 



Began the new King Michael's reign. 
Nor will the poor folk see again 
A king like him on any throne, 
Or such good deeds to all men done : 
For then, as saith the chronicle, 
It was the time, as all men tell, 
When scarce a man would stop to gaze 
At gold crowns hung above the ways. 



HE ended ; and midst those who heard were some 
Who, midst his tale, half dreamed they were at home. 
Round the great fire upon the winter night ; 
And, with the memory of the fresh delight 
Wherewith they first had heard that story told, 
Forgetting not they were grown weak and old, 
Yet felt as if they had. at least grown gray 
Within the land left for so many a day. 
He, with the gestures they were wont to see, 
So told his tale, so strange with eld was he, 
Just so he stammered, and in just such wise 
He sighed, beginning fresh, as their young eyes, 
Their ears, in happy days passed long ago. 
Had ever noted other old men do, 
When they, full filled with their quick -coming joys, 
Would gaze on old folk as on carven toys. 

But he being silent, silently awhile 
They mused on these things, masking with a smile 
The vain regrets that in their hearts arose, ! ^ 

The while with eager talk the young folk chose 
The parts that pleased them ; but their elder hosts. 
Falling to talk, yet noted well the ghosts 
Of old desires within their wasted eyes, 
Till one by one the fresh-stirred memories, 
So bitter-sweet, flickered and died away ; 
And as old men may do, whose hopes grew gray 
Before their beards, they made a little mirth 
Until the great moon rose upon the earth. 



I40 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 



APRIL. 



OFAIR midspring, besung so oft and oft, 
How can I praise thy loveliness enow ? 
Thy sun that bums not, and thy breezes soft 
That o'er the blossoms of the orchard blow, 
The thousand things that 'neath the young leaves grow, 
The hopes and chances of the growing year, 
Winter forgotten long, and summer near. 

When summer brings the lily and the rose, 
She brings us fear ; her very death she brings 
Hid in her anxious heart, the forge of woes ; 
And, dull with fear, no more the mavis sings. 
But thou ! thou diest not, but thy fresh life clings 
About the fainting autumn's sweet decay. 
When in the earth the hopeful seed they lay. 

Ah ! life of all the year, why yet do I, 
Amid thy snowy blossoms' fragrant drift, 
Still long for that which never draweth nigh, 
Striving my pleasure from my pain to sift. 
Some weight from off my fluttering mirth to lift? 
— Now, when far bells are ringing, *' Come again, 
Come back, past years ! why will ye pass in vain ? " 



AND now the watery April sun lit up 
Upon the fair board golden ewer and cup, 
And over the bright silken tapestry 
The fresh young boughs were gladdening every eye, 
And round the board old faces you might see 
Amidst the blossoms and their greenery. 

So when the flutes were silent, and the birds, 
Rejoicing in their flood of unknown words, 
Were heard again, a silken -fastened book 



APRIL, 



141 



A certain elder from his raiment took, 

And said, " O friends, few words are best to-day, 

And no new thing I bring you ; yet ye may 

Be pleased to hear an ancient tale again. 

That, told so long ago, doth yet remain 

Fresh e'en 'mongst us, far from the Argive land : 

Which tale this book, writ wholly by mine hand, 

Holds gathered up as I have heard it told. 

" Surely I fear me, midst the ancient gold 
Base metal ye will light on here and there, 
Though I have noted everything with care, 
And with good-will have set down nothing new : 
Nor holds the land another book for you 
That has the tale in full with naught beside, 
So unto me let your good word betide ; 
Though, take it as ye may, no small delight 
I had, herein this well-loved tale to write." 



THE DOOM OF KING ACRISIUS. 



ARGUMENT. 

AcRisius, king of Argos, being warned by an oracle that the son of his 
daughter Danae should slay him, shut her up in a brazen tower built 
for that end beside the sea ; there, though no man could come nigh 
her, she nevertheless bore a son to Jove, and she and her new-born 
son, set adrift on the sea, came to the island of Seriphos. Thence her 
son, grown to manhood, set out to win the Gorgon's Head, and accom- 
plished that end by the help of Minerva; and afterwards rescued 
Andromeda, daughter of Cepheus, from a terrible doom, and wedded 
her. Coming back to Seriphos he took his mother thence, and made 
for Argos, but by stress of weather came to Thessaly, and there, at 
Larissa, accomplished the prophecy, by unwittingly slaying Acrisius. 
In the end he founded the city of Mycenae, and died there. 

NOW of the King Acrisius shall ye hear, 
Who, thinking he could free his life from fear, 
Did that which brought but death on him at last. 

In Argos did he reign in days long past, 
And had one daughter, fair as man could see, 
Who in old tales is called Danae ; 
But as she grew up fairer day by day, 
A wandering oracle to him did say, 
That whatso else might happen, soon or late 
He should be taken in the toils of fate. 
And by the fruit of his own daughter's womb 
Be slain at last, and set within his tomb ; 
And therefore heavy sorrow on him fell. 
That she he- thought to love so passing well 
Must henceforth be his deadliest dread and woe. 

Long time he pondered v/hat was best to do ; 
And whiles he thought that he would send her forth 
To wed some king far in the snowy north. 
And whiles that by great gifts of goods and gold 
Some lying prophet might be bought and sold 
To swear his daughter he must sacrifice, 
If he would yet find favor in the eyes 
Of the dread gods who govern everything ; 
And sometimes seemed it better to the King, 



THE DOOM OF KING ACRISIUS. 143 

That he might 'scape the shedding of her blood 
By leaving her in some far lonely wood, 
Wherein the Dryads might the maiden find, 
Or beasts might slay her, following but their kind. 

So passed his anxious days, until at last, 
When many a plot through his vexed brain had passed, 
He lacked the heart his flesh and blood to slay, 
Yet neither would he she should go away 
From out his sight, or be at large at all ; 
Therefore his wisest craftsmen did he call, 
And bade them make for him a tower foursquare, 
Such as no man had yet seen anywhere, 
For therein neither stone nor wood should be, 
But all be wrought of brass most cunningly. 

Now thither oft would maiden Danae stray. 
And watch its strange walls growing day by day, 
Because, poor soul ! she knew not anything 
Of these forebodings of the fearful King, 
Nor how he meted out for her this doom, 
Therein to dwell as in a living tomb. 
But on a day, she, coming there alone. 
Found it all finished and the workmen gone. 
And no one nigh, so through the open door 
She entered, and went up from floor to floor, 
And through its chambers wandered without dread ; 
And, entering one, she found therein a bed, 
Dight daintily, as though to serve a queen ; 
And all the walls adorned with hangings green. 
Tables and benches in good order set. 
And all things new, by no one used as yet. 

With that she murmured, " When again I see 
My father, will I bid him tell to me 
Who shall live here and die here, for, no doubt. 
Whoever enters here shall ne'er go out : 
Therefore the walls are made so high and great, 
Therefore the bolts are measureless of weight, ^ 
The windows small, barred, turned towards the sea, 
That none from land may tell who here may be. 
No doubt some man the King my father fears 
Above all other here shall pass his years. 
Alas, poor soul ! scarce shall he see the sun, 
Or care to know when the hot day is done, 
Or ever see sweet flowers again, or grass. 
Or take much note of how the seasons pass. 
Truly we folk who dwell in rest and ease 
But lightly think of such abodes as these ; 



144 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

And I, who live wrapped round about with bliss. 
Shall go from hence and soon forget all this : 
For in my garden many a sweet flower blooms, 
"Wide open are the doors of all my rooms, 
And lightly folk come in and lightly go ; 
And I have known as yet but childish woe/' 

Therewith she turned about to leave the place, 
But as unto the door she set her face 
A bitter wailing from outside she heard, 
And somewhat therewithal she waxed afeard, 
And stopped awhile ; yet listening, she but thought, 
*'This is the man who to his doom is brought 
By weeping friends, who come to see the last 
Of that dear face they know shall soon be past 
From them forever." Then she 'gan to go 
Adown the brazen stairs with footsteps slow. 

But quick the shrieks and wailing drew anear. 
Till in her ears it sounded sharp and clear, 
And then she said, " Alas ! and must I see 
These weeping faces drawn with agony ? 
Would I had not come here to-day ! " Withal 
She started, as upon her ear did fall 
The sound of shutting of the outer door, 
And people coming up from floor to floor ; 
And paler then she grew, but moved to meet 
The woful sounds and slow-ascending feet, 
Shrinking with pity for that wretched one 
Whose life of joy upon that day was done. 

Thus down the stairs with saddened heart she passed, 
And to a lower chamber came at last ; 
But as she went beneath die archway wide 
The door was opened from the other side, 
And in poured many maidens, whom she knew 
For her own fair companions, leal and true ; 
And after them two soldiers armed there came, 
With knitted brows and eyes downcast for shame. 

But when those damsels saw her standing there, 
Anew they wept, and tore their unbound hair ; 
But midst their wailing, still no word they said, 
Until she spoke oppressed with sickening dread : 

" O tell me what has happened to me then ! 
For is my father slain of outland men ? 
Or have the gods sent death upon the land ? 
Or is it mine own death that they command ? 
Alas, alas ! but slay me quick, I pray. 
Nor let me linger on from day to day. 



THE DOOM OF KING ACRISIUS. 145 

Maddened with fear like this, that sickens me, 
And makes me seem the half-dead thing ye see." 

Then, like a man constrained, a soldier said 
These cruel words unto the wretched maid : 
" Lady, lose hope and fear now once for all ; 
Here must thou dwell betwixt brass wall and wall 
Until the gods send gentle death to thee ; 
And these as erst thine handmaidens shall be : 
And if thou askest why the thing is so, 
Thus the King wills it, for a while ago 
An oracle foretold that thou shouldst live 
To have a son, who bitter death should give 
Unto thy father ; so, to save this shame 
From falling on the glorious Argive name, 
He deemed it well that thou shouldst live indeed, 
But yet apart from man thy life shouldst lead. 
So in this place thy days must pass away, 
And we who are thy guards, from day to day 
Will bring thee everything that thou may'st need. 
But pardon us, constrained to do this deed 
By the King's will, and oaths that we have sworn 
Ere to this life of sorrow thou wert born." 

Therewith they turned and went, and soon the sound 
Of shutting doors smote like a deadly wound 
Into her heart ; and yet no word she spoke, 
But fell as one beneath a deadly stroke. 

Then they who there her fellows were to be 
Bore up her body, groaning heavily. 
Unto the upper chamber where that day 
She came before, and on the bed did lay 
The wretched maid, and then they sat around, 
With heavy heads and hair that swept the ground, 
To weep the passing of those happy days 
When many an one their happy lot would praise. 
But now and then, when bitterly would sting 
The loss of some nigh-reached desired thing, 
To a loud wail their weeping would arise. 

Then in a while did Danae ope her eyes. 
And to her aching forehead raised her hand ; 
But when she saw that wan, dishevelled band. 
She soon remembered this was no ill dream. 
But that all things were e'en as they did seem, 
Then she arose, but soon upon the bed 
Sank down again, and hid her troubled head, 
And moaned and moaned, and when a damsel came 

10 



146 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

And touched her hand, and called her by her name, 
She knew her not, but turned her head away ; 
Nor did she know when dark night followed day. 

So passed by many a day in mourning sore, 
And weariness oppressed her evermore 
In that unhappy prison-house of brass ; 
And yet a little the first sting did pass 
That smote her, and she ate and drank and slept. 
And fair and bright her body Venus kept, 
Yea, such a grace the sea-born goddess fair 
Did to her, that the ripples of her hair 
Grew brighter, and the color in her face 
And lovely lips waned not in that sad place ; 
And rounder grew her limbs from day to day ; 
Yea, as upon the golden bed she lay, 
You would have thought the Queen herself had come 
To meet some love far from her golden home. 

And once it happed at the first hour of day 
In golden morn upon her bed she lay, 
Newly awakened to her daily woe, 
And heard the rough sea beat the rocks below, 
The wheeling sea-gull screaming on the wing. 
Sea-swallows sv/ift, and many a happy thing, 
Till bitterly the tears ran down her cheek, 
And, stretching forth her arms and fingers weak, 
'Twixt moans these piteous, helpless words she said :- 
*' O Queen Diana, make me now thy maid, 
And take me from this place and set me down 
By the boar-haunted hills, that oak-woods crown, 
Amid thy crowd of trim-girt maidens fair. 

*' And shall I not be safe from men-folk there. 
Thou cruel King, when she is guarding me. 
The mighty maid from whom the shepherds flee, 
When in the gathering dusk 'twixt day and night, 
The dead leaves tell them of her footsteps light, 
Because they mind how dear Actseon bought 
The lovely sight for which he never sought, 
Diana naked in the water wan. 

" Yea, what fear should I have of any man 
"When through the woods I, wandering merrily, 
With girt-up gown, sharp sword upon the thigh, 
Full quiver on the back, stout bow in hand, 
Should tread with firm feet many a grassy land. 
And grow strong-limbed in following up the deer, 
And meet the lions' eyes with little fear. 



THE DOOM OF KING ACRISIUS, 147 

* * Alas ! no doubt she hears not ; many a maid 
She has already, of no beast afraid, 
Crisp-haired, with arms made meet for archery, 
Whose limbs miclad no man shall ever see ; 
Though the birds see them, and the seeding grass 
Harsh and unloving over them may pass, 
"When carelessly through rough and smooth they run, 
And bough and briar catches many a one. 

"Alas ! v^^hy on these free maids is my thought, 
When to such misery my life is brought ? 
I, who so long a happy maid have been, 
The daughter of a great King and a Queen ; 
And why these fresh things do I think upon, 
Who now shall see but little of the sun ? 

' ' Here every day shall have the same sad tale, 
My weary damsels with their faces pale. 
The dashing of the sea on this bleak rock, 
Pipe of the wind through cranny and through lock. 
The sea-bird's cry, like mine grown hoarse and shrill, 
The far-off sound of horn upon the hill. 
The merry pipe about the shepherd's home. 
And all the things whereto I ne'er may come. 

" O ye who rule below, I pray this boon, 
I may not live here long, but perish soon, 
Forgotten, but at peace, since I feel naught ; 
For even now it comes across my thought 
That here my wretched body dwells alone. 
And that my soul with all my hope is gone. 

* ' Father, thy blood upon thine own head be 
If any solace Venus send to me 
Within this wretched place which thou hast made. 
Of thine own flesh and blood too much afraid. " 

Truly Diana heard not, for that tide 
Upon the green grass by a river-side. 
Wherein she had just bathed her body sweet. 
She stooped to tie the sandals to her feet. 
Her linen gown upon the herbage lay, 
And round her was there standing many a may 
Making her ready for the morning chase. 

But so it happed that Venus by the place 
Was passing, just arisen from the sea. 
And heard the maid complaining bitterly, 
So to the window-bars she drew anigh. 
And, thence unseen, she saw the maiden lie. 



148 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

As on the grass herself she might have lain 

When in the thicket lay Adonis slain ; 

For power and joy she smiled thereat, and thought, 

" She shall not suffer all this pain for naught." 

And slowly for Olympus sailed away, 

And thither came at hottest of the day. 

Then through the heavenly courts she went, and when 
She found the father both of gods and men, 
She smiled upon him, and said, " Knowest thou 
What deeds are wTought by men in Argos now ? 
Wherein a brazen tower well-builded is. 
That hides a maid away from all my bliss ; 
Since thereby thinks Acrisius to forego 
This doom that has been fated long ago. 
That by his daughter's son he shall be slain ; 
Wherefore he puts the damsel to this pain 
To see no man, and thinks to 'scape his doom 
If she but live and die with barren womb ; 
And great dishonor is it unto me 
That such a maiden lives so wretchedly ; 
And great dishonor is it to us all 
That ill upon a guiltless head should fall 
To save a King from what we have decreed. 
Now, therefore, tell me, shall his impious deed 
Save him alive, while she that might have borne 
Great kings and glorious heroes lives forlorn 
Of love's delight, in solitude and woe ? " 

Then said the Thunderer, *' Daughter, nowise so 
Shall this be in the end ; heed what shall fall. 
And let none think that any brazen wall 
Can let the Gods from doing what shall be." 

Now therewithal went Venus to the sea 
Glad of her father's words, and, as she went, 
Unseen the gladness of the spring she sent 
Across the happy lands o'er w^hich she moved. 
Until all men felt joyous and beloved. 

But while to Paphos carelessly she fared. 
All day upon the tower the hot sun glared. 
And Danae within that narrow space 
Went to and fro, and sometimes hid her face 
Between her hands, moaning in her despair. 
Or sometimes tore the fillets from her hair. 
And sometimes would begin a piteous tale 
Unto her maids, and in the midst would fail 



THE DOOM OF KING ACRISIUS, 149 

For sobs and tears ; but mostly would she sit 
Over against the window, watching it, 
And feel the light wind blowing from the sea 
Against her face, with hands laid listlessly- 
Together in her lap ; so passed the day. 
And to their sleep her damsels went away, 
And through the dead of night she slept awhile, 
But when the dawn came, woke up with a smile, 
As though she had forgotten all her pain, 
But soon the heavy burden felt again. 
And on her bed lay tossing wretchedly. 
Until the sun had nigh looked o'er the sea. 

In that fresh morn was no one stirring yet, 
And many a man his troubles did forget 
Buried in sleep, but nothing she forgat. 
She raised herself and up in bed she sat. 
And towards the window turned round wearily 
To watch the changing colors of the sky ; 
And many a time she sighed, and seemed as though 
She would have told the story of her woe 
To whatsoever god near by might be 
Betwixt the gray sky and the cold gray sea. 
But to her lips no sound at all would rise, 
Except those oft-repeated heavy sighs. 

And yet, indeed, within a little while 
Her face grew calm, the shadow of a smile 
Stole o'er her parted lips and sweet gray eyes. 
And slowly from the bed did she arise. 
And towards the window drew, and yet did seem. 
Although her eyes were open, still to dream. 

There on the sill she laid her slender hand, 
And, looking seaward, pensive did she stand, 
And seemed as though she waited for the sun 
To bring her news her misery was done ; 
At last he came and over the green sea 
His golden road shone out right gloriously, 
And into Danae's face his glory came 
And lit her softly- waving hair like flame. 
But in his light she held out both her hands, 
As though he brought her from some far-off lands 
Healing for all her great distress and woe. 

But yellower now the sunbeams seemed to grow, 
Not whiter as their wont is, and she heard 
A tinkling sound that made her, half afeard. 
Draw back a little from the fresh green sea, 
Then to a clang the noise rose suddenly. 



150 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

And gently was she smitten on the breast, 
And some bright thing within her palm did rest, 
And trickled down her shoulder and her side, 
And on her limbs a little did abide, 
Or lay upon her feet a little while. 

Then in her face increased the doubtful smile, 
While o'er her eyes a drowsy film there came, 
And in her cheeks a Hush as if of shame, 
And, looking round about, could she behold 
The chamber scattered o^er with shining gold. 
That grew, till ankle-deep she stood in it. 

Then through her limbs a tremor did there flit 
As through white water runs the summer wind. 
And many a wild hope came into her mind. 
But her knees bent and soft she sank down there, 
And on the gold was spread her golden hair, 
And like an ivory image still she lay. 
Until the night again had hidden day. 

But when again she lifted up her head. 
She found herself laid soft within her bed. 
While midmost of the room the taper shone. 
And all her damsels from the place were gone. 
And by her head a gold-robed man there stood, 
At sight of whom the damsel's shamefast blood 
Made all her face red to the golden hair. 
And quick she covered up her bosom fair. 

Then in a great voice said he, *'Danae, 
Sweet child, be glad, and have no fear of me. 
And have no shame, nor hide from thy new love 
The breast that on this day has pillowed Jove. 
Come now, come from that balmy nest of thine, 
And stand with me beneath the taper's shine 
That I may see thy beauty once again ; 
Then never shalt thou be in any pain. 
But if thou liftest up thy face to Jove 
I shall be kind to my sweet simple love ; 
I shall bethink me of thy body sweet. 
From golden head to rosy little feet." 

Then, trembling sore, from out the bed she came 
And hid away her face for dread and shame. 
But soon she trembled more for very love, 
To feel the loving hands of mighty Jove 
Draw down her hands, and kisses on the head 
And tender bosom, as again he said, 



THE DOOM OF KING ACRISIUS, 151 

** Now must I go ; and sweet love, Danae, 
Fear nothing more that man can do to thee, 
For soon shall come an ending to thy woe, 
And thou shalt have a son whose name shall grow 
Still greater, till the mountains melt away 
And men no more can tell the night from day.'' 

Then forth he sprang and o'er the sea did fly, 
And loud it thundered from a cloudless sky. 



SO when her damsels came to her next day, 
And thought to see her laid in her old way 
Upon the bed, and looking out to sea 
Moaning full oft, and sighing heavily, 
They found her singing o'er a web of silk 
Where through the even warp as white as milk 
Quick flew the shuttle from her arm of snow, 
And somewhat from her girded gown did show 
On the black treadles both her rosy feet, 
Moving a little as the tall green wheat 
Moves in the June when Zephyr blows on it, 
So, like a goddess weaving did she sit. 

But when she saw her maidens wondering stand 
She ceased her song and stayed her busy hand, 
And said, " Girls, if ye see me glad to-day 
Be naught amazed, for all things pass away ; 
The good days die, but also die the bad. 

" See now, in sleep last night a dream I had 
That in his claws an eagle lifted me 
And bore me to a land across the sea : 
Wherefore I think that here I shall not die 
But live to feel dew falling from the sky, 
And set my feet deep in the meadow grass 
And underneath the scented pine-trees pass, 
Or in the garden feel the western breeze, 
The herald of the rain, sweep through the trees. 
Or in the hottest of the summer day. 
Betwixt green banks within the mill-stream play. 

' ' For either shall my father soon relent. 
Or for my sake some marvel shall be sent. 
And either way these doors shall open wide ; 
And then doubt not to see me soon a bride 
With some king's amorous son before my feet. 

*' Ah ! verily my life shall then be sweet ; 



152 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

Before these days I knew not life or death, 
With little hope or fear I drew my breath, 
But now when all this sorrow is o'erpast, 
Then shall I feel how sweet life is at last, 
And know how dear peace is from all these fears. 

" So no more will I waste my life in tears, 
But pass the time as swiftly as may be, 
Until ye step out on the turf with me." 

Then glad they were, when such like words they heard, 
And yet some doubted and were sore afeard 
That she had grown light-headed with her woe, 
Dreading the time might come when she would throw 
Her body on the ground and perish there. 
Slain by her own hand mighty with despair. 
Nathless the days more merrily went by, 
And from that prison men heard minstrelsy, 
When naught but mourning, fisher-folk afeard 
Who passed that way, in others times had heard. 

Yet truly Danae said that all things pass 
And are forgotten ; in that house of brass 
Forgotten was the stunning bitter pain 
Wherewith she entered it, and yet again 
In no long time, hope was forgotten too, 
When wringing torments moaning from her drew, 
And to and fro the pale, scared damsels went, 
And those her guards unto Acrisius sent. 

But ere the messenger returned again 
She had been eased of half her bitterest pain, 
And on her breast a fair man-child was laid ; 
Then round the messenger her maids afraid 
Drew weeping ; but he charged them earnestly. 
Ever to watch her in that chamber high. 
Lest any man should steal the babe away, 
And so to bide until there came a day 
W^hen on her feet she might arise and go. 
Whereof by messengers the King must know ; 
So, threatening torments unendurable. 
If any harm through treachery befell. 
He left them, and no more to them he told. 
But in his face the sooth they might behold. 

Now, therefore, when some wretched days were past, 
And trembling by the bed she stood at last, 
She heard the opening of the outer door. 
And footsteps came again from floor to floor, 



THE DOOM OF KING ACRISIUS, 153 

And soon with all-armed men her chamber shone, 
Who with few words now led her forth alone 
Adown the stairs from out the brazen place ; 
And on her hot hands, and her tear-stained face 
Half-fainting, the pine-scented air she felt, 
And all about the salt sea-savor smelt, 
And in her ears the dashing of the sea 
Rang ever ; thus the God had set her free. 

But by the shore further they led her still 
To where the sea beat on a barren hill, 
And a long stage of timber met the sea, 
At end whereof was tossing fearfully 
A little boat that had no oars or sail, 
Or aught that could the mariner avail. 
Thither with her their steps the soldiers bent. 
And as along the narrow way they went 
The salt waves leapt aloft to kiss her feet 
And in the wind streamed out her tresses sweet ; 
But little heed she took of feet or head 
For naught she doubted she to death was led, 
But ever did she hold against her breast 
The little babe, and spoke not for the rest. 
No, not when in the boat they bade her go. 
And 'twixt its bulwarks thin she lay alow. 
Nor when adrift they set her presently 
And all about was but the angry sea. 

Nor word she said until the sun was down. 
And she beheld the moon that on no town, 
On no fair homestead, no green pasture shone, 
But lit up the unwearied sea alone ; 
No word she said till she was far from shore 
And on her breast the babe was wailing sore. 
And then she lifted up her face to Jove, 
And said, *' O thou who once didst call me love, 
Hast thou forgotten those fair words of thine. 
When underneath the taper's glimmering shine 
Thou bad'st me stand that thou might'st look on me. 
And love thou call'dst me, and sweet Danae ? 
Now of thy promised help am I most fain, 
For on what day can I have greater pain 
Than this wherein to-night my body is. 
And brought thereto by what, but thy sweet kiss ? " 

But neither did she pray the God in vain ; 
For straight he set himself to end her pain. 
And while he cast on her a gentle sleep, 



154 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

The winds within their houses did he keep 
Except the west, which soft on her did blow, 
That swiftly through the sea the boat might go. 

Far out to sea a certain isle doth lie 
Men called Seriphos, craggy, steep, and high : 
It rises upon every side but one, 
And mariners its ill -famed headlands shun ; 
But toward the south the meads slope soft adown, 
Until they meet the yellow sands and brown, 
That slope themselves so gently to the sea, 
The nymphs are hidden only to the knee 
When half a mile of rippling water is 
Between the waves that their white limbs do kiss 
And the last wave that washes shells ashore. 

To this fair place the west wind onward bore 
The skiff that carried Danae and her son. 
And on the morn, when scarce the dusk was done, 
Upon the sands the shallop ran aground ; 
And still they slept, and for a while around 
Their wretched bed the waves sung lullaby, 
But sank at last and left the long strand dry. 

Then uprose Danae, and nothing knew 
What land it was : about her sea-fowl flew ; 
Behind her back the yet retreating sea 
Beat on the yellow sands unceasingly ; 
Landward she saw the low, green meadows lie. 
Dotted with homesteads, rich with elm-trees high ; 
And at her feet the little boat there lay 
That happily had brought her on the way. 

But, as it happed, the brother of the King 
Had ridden forth to hear the sea-fowl sing. 
With hawk on fist, right early on that morn, 
Hard by the place whereunto she was borne. 
He, seeing far away a white thing stand. 
Deemed her at first some maiden of the sand, 
Such as to fishers sings a honeyed strain. 
And leaves them longing for her love in vain. 
So, wishful to behold the sea-folk's bride, 
He set the spurs into his horse's side. 
But drawing nigher, he but saw her there. 
Not moving much, her unbound yellow hair 
Heavy with dew and washing of the sea ; 
And her wet raiment clinging amorously 
About her body, in the wind's despite ; 
And in her arms her woe and her delight, 



THE DOOM OF KING ACRISIUS. 155 

vSpreading abroad the small bands helplessly 

That on some day should still the battle's cry. 

And furthermore he saw where by her lay 

The boat that brought her o'er the watery way : 

Then, though he knew not whence she might have come, 

He doubted not the firm land was her home. 

But when he came anigh, beholding him, 
She fell a- trembling in her every limb, 
And kneeling to him held the young babe out. 
And said : " O sir, if, as I have no doubt, 
In this strange land thou art a king and lord, 
Speak unto me some comfortable word. 

' ' Born of a king who rules a lovely land, 
I in my house that by the sea doth stand, 
With all my girls, made merry on a day : 
Now some of them upon the sands did play, 
Dancing unto their fellows' minstrelsy ; 
And some it pleased upon sweet flowers to lie, 
Ripe fruits around, and thence to look on them ; 
And some were fain to lift their kirtles' hem. 
And through the shallows chase the fishes fleet ; 
But in this shallop would I have my seat 
Alone, and holding this my little son, 
And knowing not that my good days were done. 

" Now how it chanced, in sooth I cannot say, 
But yet I think that one there was that day. 
Who for some hidden cause did hate me sore. 
Who cut the cord that bound me to the shore. 
And soon amidst my helpless shrieks the boat, 
Oarless and sailless, out to sea did float. 

" But now that many a danger has been passed. 
The gods have sent me to your land at last. 
Alive, indeed, but such like as you see, 
Cold and drenched through with washing of the sea. 
Half clad, and kneeling on an unknown land, 
And for a morsel holding out my hand." 

Then said he, *' I.ady, fear not any more. 
For you are come unto no savage shore. 
But here shall be a queen as erst at home : 
And if thou askest whereto thou art come, 
This is the isle Seriphos ; and for me. 
My name is Dictys, and right royally 
My brother lives, the King of all the isle. 
Him shalt thou see within a little while. 



156 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

And doubtless he will give thee everything 
That 'longs unto the daughter of a king. 

'' Meanwhile I bid thee in mine house to rest, 
And there thy wearied body shall be dressed 
In seemly raiment by my women-slaves, 
And thou shalt wash thee from the bitter waves, 
And eat and drink, and sleep full easily ; 
And on the morrow shalt thou come with me 
And take King Polydectes by the hand. 
Who in good peace rules o'er this quiet land." 

Then on his horse he set the Queen, while he 
Walked by the side thereof right soberly ; 
And half asleep, as slow they went along, 
She laid her hand upon the war-horse strong, 
While Dictys by her side Jove's offspring bore. 
And thus they left the sea-beat yellow shore. 
And as one dreaming to the house she came, 
Where in the sun the brazen doors did flame ; 
And there she ate and drank as in a dream ; 
Dreamlike to her the scented bath did seem 
After the icy sprinkling of the waves. 
And like a dream the fair, slim women-slaves, 
Who laid her in the fair bed, where she slept 
Dreamless, until the horned white moon had stepped 
Over the fresh pine-scented hills again. 

But when the sun next day drave forth his wain. 
The damsel, clad in queen-like gold array, 
With Dictys to the palace took her way ; 
And there by minstrels duly were they met, 
Who brought them to the great hall, where was set 
The King upon a royal throne of gold : 
Black-bearded was he, thirty summers old, 
Comely and strong, and seemed a king indeed ; 
Who, when he saw the minstrels thither lead 
Fair Danae, rose up to her, and said : 
** O, welcome, lady ! be no more afraid 
That thou shalt lose thy state and dignity ; 
Yea, since a gem the gods have sent to me. 
With plates of silver will I overlay 
The casket that has brought it on the way. 
And set it in King Neptune's house to stand 
Until the sea shall wash away the land. 

" And for thyself a fair house shalt thou have 
With all things needful, and right many a slave, 
Both men and women ; fair shall all things be 



THE DOOM OF KING ACRISIUS. 157 

That thou may'st dwell here in felicity, 

And that no care may wrinkle thy smooth brow, 

*' And for the child, when he is old enow 
The priests of Pallas shall of him have care, 
And thou shalt dwell hard by her temple fair ; 
But on this good day in mine hall abide. 
And do me grace in sitting by my side. " 

Then mounted she the dais and sat, and then 
Was she beheld of all the island men. 
Who praised her much, and praised the sturdy child, 
Who at their shouting made as if he smiled. 

So passed the feast, and at the end of day 
Towards her own house did Danae go away, 
That stood amid Minerva's olive-trees 
Hidden away from moaning of the seas. 

And there began fair Danae's life again, 
And quite forgotten was her ancient pain, 
And peacefully did day succeed to day, 
While fairer grew the well -loved child alway. 
And strong and wise beyond his scanty years. 
And in the island all his little peers 
Held him for lord, whatso might be their worth, 
And Perseus is his name from this time forth. 



LO, eighteen summers now have come and gone 
Since on the beach fair Danae stood alone 
Holding her little son, nor yet was she 
Less fair than when the hoarse unwilling sea 
Moaned loud that Neptune drew him from her feet. 
And the wind sighed upon her bosom sweet. 
For in that long-past half-forgotten time. 
While yet the world was young, and the sweet clime. 
Golden and mild, no bitter storm-clouds bred, 
Light lay the years upon the untroubled head. 
And longer men lived then by many a year 
Than in these days, w^hen every week is dear. 

Now on a day was held a royal feast 
Whereon there should be slain full many a beast 
Unto Minerva ; thereto the King came. 
And in his heart love lit a greedy flame 
At sight of Danae's arms stretched out in prayer 



158 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Unto the goddess, and her yellow hair, 

Wreathed round with olive-wreaths, that hung adown 

Over the soft folds of her linen gown ; 

And when at last he took her by the hand 

Speechless by her did Polydectes stand. 

So much with fond desire bewildered 

At sight of all tliat wondrous white and red, 

That peaceful face wherein all past distress 

Had melted into perfect loveliness. 

So when that night he lay upon his bed, 
Full many a thought he turned within his head 
Of how he best might unto that attain. 
Whose lack now filled him with such burning pain. 
And at the first it seemed a little thing 
For him who was a rich man and a king, 
Either by gifts to win her, or to send 
And fetch her thither, and perforce to end 
Her widowhood ; but then there came the thought, 
*' By force or gifts hither she might be brought, 
And here might I get that for which I long. 
Yet has she here a son both brave and strong, 
Nor will he think it much to end my days 
If he may get thereby the people's praise, 
E'en if therewith he shortly needs must die ; 
Ah, verily, a purblind fool was I, 
That when I first beheld that matchless face 
I had no eyes to see her heavenly grace ; 
Then with few words might I have held her here 
And kept her for mine own with little fear ; 
But now I have no will the lad to slay, 
For he would be revenged some evil day. 
Who now Jove's offspring do I think to be, 
So dowered he is with might and majesty. 

" Yet could I find perchance some fair pretence 
Whereby with honor I might send him hence. 
Nor have the youngling's blood upon my head, 
Then might he be vvellnlgh as good as dead." 

So pondering on his bed long time he lay, 
Until the night begg-n to mix with day. 
And then he smiled, and so to sleep turned round, 
As though at last some sure way he had found. 

And now it chanced to come round to the day, 
When all the lords clad in their rich array 
Unto the King should come for royal feast ; 
And there the way was, that both most and least 



THE DOOM OF KING ACRISIUS. 159 

Should thither bear some present for the King, 
As horse or sword, gold chain, fair cup, or ring. 
Unto which feast was Perseus bidden now, 
Who giftless came, bare as the winter bough, 
For little was his wealth in that strange land. 

So tliere ashamed it was his lot to stand. 
Before the guests were called to meat, and when 
He sat amidst those royally clad men 
Little he spake for shame of his estate. 
Not knowing yet his godUke birth and great. 

So passed the feast, and when the full time came 
To show the gifts, he waxed all red for shame ; 
For through the hall white horses were brought up, 
And well -clad slaves, and many a dainty cup, 
And many a gem well set in brooch or ring. 
And laid before the da'is of the King. 
But all alone of great folk of the land 
With eyes cast dov/n for rage did Perseus stand, 
Yet for his manhood thence he would not go. 

Now some that secretly were bidden so. 
Beholding him, began to gibe and jeer. 
Yet not too loud, held back perchance by fear, 
And thus a murmur spread about the hall 
As, each to each, men cast about the ball, 
Which the King heard, or seemed to hear at last, 
And round the noisy hall a look he cast. 
And then beholding Perseus with a smile 
He said, " Good friends, fair lords, be still awhile, 
And say no ill about this gifdess guest. 
For truly not the worst, if scarce the best, 
I hold him, and forsooth so rich I live 
Within this land, that I myself may give 
Somewhat to him, nor yet take from him aught. 
And when I bade him here this was my thought." 

Then stretching out his arm did he take up 
From off the board a jewelled golden cup. 
And said, " O Perseus, come and sit by me. 
And from my hand take this, that thou dost see. 
And be my friend." Then Perseus drew anear. 
And took the cup and said, " This shall be dear 
Unto mine eyes while on the earth I live ; 
And yet a gift I in my turn may give. 
When to this land comes bitter war, or when 
Some enemy thou hast among great men ; 
Yea, sire, among these knights and lords I swear 
To do whatso thou bidd'st me without fear." 



i6o THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Then the King smiled and said, " Yea, verily, 
Then wilt thou give a great gift unto me, 
Nor yet, forsooth, too early by a day ; 
To-morrow may'st thou be upon thy way. 

" Far in the western sea a land there is 
Desert and vast, and emptied of all bliss, 
Where dwell the Gorgons wretchedly enow ; 
Two of them die not, one above her brow 
And wretched head bears serpents, for the shame 
That on an ill day fell upon her name. 
When in Minerva's shrine great sin was wrought, 
For thither by the Sea-god she was brought. 
And in the maiden's house in love they mixed ; 
Who, wrathful, in her once fair tresses fixed 
That snaky brood, and shut her evermore 
Within a land west of the Lybian shore. 

'* Now if a king could gain this snaky head 
Full well for war were he apparelled. 
Because no man may look thereon and live. 
A great gift, therefore, Perseus, wouldst thou give, 
If thou shouldst bring this wonder unto me ; 
And for the place, far in the western sea 
It lies, I say, but nothing more I know. 
Therefore I bid thee to some wise man go 
Who has been used this many a day to pore 
O'er ancient books of long-forgotten lore." 

Thus spoke the King, knowing the while full well 
None but a god of that far land could tell. 

But Perseus answered, ' ' O my Lord, the King, 
Thou settest me to win a dreadful thing, 
Yet for thy bounty this gift will I give 
Unto thine hands, if I should chance to live. " 

With that he turned, and silent, full of thought, 
From out the hall he passed, not noting aught, 
And toward his home he went but soberly. 
And thence went forth an ancient man to see 
He hoped might tell him that he wished to know 
And to what land it were the best to go. 
But when he told the elder all the tale, 
He shook his head, and said, *' Naught will avail 
My lore for this, nor dwells the man on earth 
Whose wisdom for this thing will be of worth ; 
Yea, to this dreadful land no man shall win 
Unless some god himself shall help therein ; 
Therefore, my son, I rede thee stay at home. 



THE DOOM OF KING ACRISIUS. i6i 

For thou shalt have full many a chance to roam 
Seeking for something that all men love v\^ell, 
Not for an unknown isle where monsters dwell." 

Then forth again went Perseus soberly, 
And walked along the border of the sea, 
Upon the yellow sands where first he came 
That time that he was deemed his mother's shame. 

And now was it the first hour of the night, 
Therefore within the west a yellow light 
Yet shone, though risen was the horned moon, 
Whose lonely cold gray beams would quench it soon, 
Though now her light was shining doubtfully 
On the wet sands, for low down was the sea 
But rising, and the salt-sea wind blew strong 
And drave the hurrying breakers swift along. 
So there walked Perseus thinking many a thing 
About those last words of the wily King, 
And as he went at last he came upon 
An ancient woman, who said, " Fair, my son, 
What dost thou wandering here in the cold night? 
When in the King's hall glance from shade to light 
The golden sandals of the dancing girls. 
And in the gold cups set with gems and pearls 
The wine shines fair that glads the heart of man ; 
What dost thou wandering 'neath the moonlight wan ? " 

" This have I done," said he, *' as one should swear 
To make the vine bear bunches twice a year, 
For I have sworn the Gorgon's head to bring 
A worthy gift unto our island King, 
When neither I nor any man can tell 
In what far land apart from men they dwell. 
Some god alone can help me in my need ; 
And yet unless somehow I do the deed 
An exile I must be from this fair land. 
Nor with my peers shall I have heart to stand." 

Grim in the moonlight smiled the aged crone, 
And said, " If living there thou com'st, alone 
Of all men yet, what thinkest thou to do ? 
Then verily thy journey shalt thou rue. 
For whoso looks upon that face meets death. 
That in his sick heart freezes up his breath 
Until he has the semblance of a stone. " 

But Perseus answered straightly to the crone, 
*' O mother, if the gods but give me grace 
To come anigh that fair and dreadful face, 
II 



162 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Well may they give me grace enough also 
Their enemy and mine to lay alow." 

Now as he spake, the white moon risen high 
Burst from a cloud, and shone out gloriously, 
And down the sands her path of silver shone, 
And lighted full upon that ancient crone ; 
And there a marvel Perseus saw indeed, 
Because in face, in figure, and in weed, 
She wholly changed before his wondering eyes. 

Now tall and straight her figure did arise. 
That erst seemed bent with weight of many a year, 
And on her head a helmet shone out clear 
For the rent clout that held the grizzled head : 
With a fair breastplate was she furnished. 
From whence a hauberk to her knees fell down ; 
And underneath, a perfumed linen go^vn, 
O'erwrought with many-colored Indian silk. 
Fell to her sandalled feet, as white as milk. 
Gray-eyed she w^as, like amber shone her hair, 
Aloft she held her right arm round and bare. 
Whose long white fingers closed upon a spear. 

Then trembled Perseus with unwonted fear 
When he beheld before him Pallas stand. 
And with bowed head he stood and outstretched hand : 
But she smiled on him softly, and she said, 
" Hold up again, O Perseus, thy fair head. 
Because thou art indeed my father's son. 
And in this quest that now thou goest upon 
Thou shalt not fail : I swear it by my head, 
And that black water all immortals dread. 

" Look now before my feet, and thou shalt see 
Four helpful things the high gods lend to thee. 
Not willing thou shouldst journey forth in vain : 
Hermes himself, the many-eyed one's bane. 
Gives these two-winged shoes, to carry thee 
Tireless high over every land and sea ; 
This cap is his whose chariot caught away 
The maid of Enna from her gentle play ; 
And if thou art hard pressed of any one 
Set this on thee, and so be seen of none : 
The haking god was craftsman of this blade, 
No better shone, when, making heaven afraid, 
The giants round our golden houses cried, 
For neither brass nor steel its edge can bide, 
Or flinty rocks, or gleaming adamant : 



THE DOOM OF KIMG ACRISIUS. 163 

With these, indeed, but one thing dost thou want, 
And that I give thee ; Uttle need'st thou reck 
Of those gray hopeless eyes, if round thy neck 
Thou hang'st this shield, that, hanging once on mine, 
In the grim giant's hopeless eyes did shine. 

*' And now be strong, and fly forth with good heart 
Far northward, till thou seest the ice-walls part 
The weary sea from snow- clad lands and wan, 
Untrodden yet by any son of man. 
There dwell the Gorgons' ancient sisters three 
Men call the Graiae, who make shift to see 
With one eye, which they pass from hand to hand. 
Now make thyself unseen in this white land 
And snatch the eye, while crooning songs they sit, 
From hand to withered hand still passing it ; 
And let them buy it back by telling thee 
How thou shalt find within the western sea 
The unknown country where their sisters dwell. 

*' Which thing unto thee I myself would tell, 
But when with many a curse I set them there, 
I in my wrath by a great oath did swear 
I would not name again the countiy gray 
Wherein they dwell, with little light of day. 

* ' Good speed, O Perseus ; make no tarrying. 
But straightly set thyself to do this thing. " 

Now as his ears yet rung with words like these. 
And on the sand he sank upon his knees 
Before the goddess, there he knelt alone 
As in a dream ; but still the white moon shone 
Upon the sword, the shield, and cap and shoes, 
Which half adrad he was at first to use, 
Until the goddess gave him heart at last, 
And his own gear in haste aside he cast, 
And armed himself in that wild, lonely place : 
Then turning round, northward he set his face. 
And rose aloft and o'er the lands 'gan fly, 
Betwixt the green earth and the windy sky. 

Young was the night when first he left the sands 
Of small Seriphos, but right many lands 
Before the moon was down his winged feet 
Had borne him over, tireless, strong, and fleet. 
Then in the starlight black beneath him lay 
The German forests, where the wild swine play. 
Fearless of what Diana's maids may do, 
Who ever have more will to wander through 



i64 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

The warm and grassy woods of Thessaly, 
Or in Sicilian orange-gardens lie. 

But ere the hot sun on his arms 'gan shine 
He had passed o'er the Danube and the Rhine, 
And heard the faint sound of the northern sea ; 
But ever northward flew untiringly, 
Till Thule lay beneath his feet at last 
Then o'er its desert icy hills he passed, 
And on beneath a feeble sun he flew, 
Till, rising like a wall, the cliffs he knew 
That Pallas told him of : the sun was high, 
But on the pale ice shone but wretchedly ; 
Pale blue the great mass was, and cold enow ; 
Gray tattered moss hung from its jagged brow, 
No wind was there at all, though ever beat 
The leaden tideless sea against its feet. 

Then lighted Perseus on that dreary land, 
And when on the white plain his feet did stand 
He saw no sign of either beast or man, 
Except that near by rose a palace wan, 
Built of some metal that he could not name. 
Thither he went, and to a great door came 
That stood wide open, so without a v/ord 
He entered in, and drew his deadly sword, 
Though neither sword or man could you behold 
More than folk see their death ere they grow old. 

So having entered, through a cloister gray 
With cautious steps and slow he took his way, 
At end whereof he found a mighty hall ; 
Where, bare of hangings, a white marble wall 
And milk-white pillars held the roof aloft, 
And nothing was therein of fair or soft ; 
And at one end, upon a da'is high, 
There sat the crones that had the single eye. 
Clad in blue sweeping cloak and snow-white gown ; 
While o'er their backs their straight white hair hung down 
In long thin locks ; dreadful their faces were 
Carved all about with wrinkles of despair ; 
And as they sat they crooned a dreaiy song, 
Complaining that their lives should last so long. 
In that sad place that no one came anear. 
In that wan place desert of hope and fear ; 
And, singing, still they rocked their bodies bent. 
And ever each to each the eye they sent. 

Awhile stood Perseus gazing on the three, 



THE DOOM OF KING ACRISIUS. 165 

Then sheathed his sword, and toward them warily 
He went, and from the last one snatched the eye, 
Who, feeling it gone from her, with a ciy 
Sprung up and said, " O sisters, he is here 
That we were warned so long ago to fear. 
And verily he has the eye of me. " 

Then those three, thinking they no more should see 
What feeble light the sun could show them there, 
And that of all joys now their life was bare, 
Began a wailing and lamenting sore 
That they were worse than ever heretofore. 

Then Perseus cried, "Unseen am I indeed, 
But yet a mortal man, who have a need 
Your wisdom can make good, if so ye will ; 
Now neither do I wish you any ill. 
Nor this your treasure will I keep from you 
If ye will tell me what I needs must do 
To gain, upon the earth or under it. 
The dreary country where your sisters sit : 
Of whom, as wise men say, the one is fair 
As any goddess, but with snaky hair 
And body that shall perish on some day. 
While the two others ancient are, and gray 
As ye be, but shall see the whole world die." 

Then said they, * ' Rash man, give us back the eye 
Or rue this day, for wretched as we are. 
Beholding not fair peace or godlike war, 
Or any of the deeds of men at all. 
Yet are we strong, and on thy head shall fall 
Our heavy curses, and but dismaWy 
Thy life shall pass until thou com'st to die." 

" Make no delay," he said, "to do this thing, 
Or this your cherished sight I soon shall fling 
Into the sea, or burn it up with fire." 

'' What else, what else, but this wilt thou desire ?" 
They said. *' Wilt thou have long youth at our hands ? 
Or wilt thou be the king of lovely lands ? 
Or store up wealth to lead thy life in mirth ? 
Or wilt thou have the beauty of the earth 
With all her kindness for thy very own ? 
Choose what thou wilt except this thing alone." 

" Nay," said he, " for naught else I left my home, 
For this sole knowledge hither am I come, 
Not all unholpen of the gods above ; 
Nor yet shall words my steadfast purpose move." 

Then with that last word did he hold his peace. 



i66 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

And they no less from wailing words did cease, 

Hoping that in that silence he might think 

Of their dread words and from the evils shrink 

Wherewith they threatened him ; but in his heart 

Most godlike courage fit for such a part 

The white-armed goddess of the loom had set, 

Nor in that land her help did he forget. 

Withal, when many an hour had now gone by, 
Together did the awesome sisters cry, 
* ' O man ! O man ! hear that which thou wouldst know, 
And with thy knowledge let the dread curse go, 
We, least of all, have ^scaped, of those who dwell 
Upon this wretched fire-concealing shell. 
Slave of the cruel gods ! go, get ye hence. 
And, storing deeds for fruitless penitence. 
Go east, as though in Scythia was your home, 
But when unto the wind-beat seas ye come 
Stop short, and turn round to the south again 
Until ye reach the western land of Spain ; 
There o'er the straits ye soon shall come to be 
Betwixt the ocean and the inner sea, 
Thenceforth go westward even as thou may'st 
Until ye find a dark land long laid waste, 
Where green cliffs rise from out an inky sea. 
But no green leaf may grow on bush or tree. 
No sun makes day there, no moon lighteth night, 
The long years there must pass in gray twilight ; 
There dwell our sisters, walking dismally, 
Between the dull-brown caverns and the sea. 

' ' Tool in the hands of gods ! do there thy might ! 
Nor fall like us, nor strive for peace and right ; 
But give our own unto us and be gone. 
And leave us to our misery alone. " 

Then straight he put the eye into the hand 
Of her that spoke, and turned from that white land, 
Leaving them singing their grim song again. 
But flying forth he came at last to Spain, 
And so unto the southern end of it, 
And then with restless wings due west did flit. 
For many a day across the sea he flew, 
That lay beneath him clear enough and blue. 
Until at last rose such a thick gray mist, 
That of what lay beneath him naught he wist ; 
But still through this he flew a night and day 



THE DOOM OF KING ACRISIUS. 167 

Hearkening the washing of the watery way, 
Unseen : but when, at ending of the night. 
The mist was gone and gray sea came in sight, 
• He thought that he had reached another world ; 
This way and that the leaden seas were hurled. 
Moved by no wind, but by some unseen power ; 
Twilight it was and still his feet dropped lower, 
As through the thickening, dim hot air he passed, 
Until he feared to reach the sea at last. 

But even as his feet dragged in the sea. 
He, praying to the goddess fervently. 
Felt her good help, for soon he rose again 
Three fathoms up, and flew with lessened pain ; 
And looking through the dimness could behold 
The wretched land whereof the sisters told. 
And soon could see how down the green cliffs fell 
A yellow stream, that from some inland well 
Arose, and through the land ran sluggishly, 
Until it poured with dull plash in the sea 
Like molten lead ; and nigher as he came 
He saw great birds, whose kind he could not name, 
That whirling noiselessly about did seem 
To seek a prey within that leaden stream ; 
And drawing nigher yet, at last he saw 
That many of them held, with beak or claw, 
Great snakes they tore still flying through the air. 
Then making for the clift^ and lighting there 
He saw, indeed, that tawny stream and dull 
Of intertwining writhen snakes was full. 
So, with a shudder, thence he turned away, 
And through the untrodden land he took his way. 

Now cave-pierced rocks there rose up everywhere. 
And gaunt old trees, of leaves and fruit all bare ; 
And midst this wretchedness a mighty hall, 
Whose great stones made a black and shining wall ; 
The doors were open, and thence came a cry 
Of one in anguish wailing bitterly ; 
Then o'er its threshold passed the son of Jove, 
Well shielded by the gray-eyed Maiden's love. 

Now there he saw two women bent and old. 
Like to those three that erst he did behold 
Far northward, sitting wellnigh motionless. 
Their eyes, grown stony with their long distress. 
Stared out at naught, and still no sound they made, 
And on their knees their wrinkled hands were laid. 

But a third woman paced about the hall, 



I68 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

And ever turned her head from wall to wall 

And moaned aloud, and shrieked in her despair ; 

Because the golden tresses of her hair 

Were moved by writhing snakes from side to side, 

That in their writhing oftentimes would glide 

On to her breast, or shuddering shoulders white ; 

Or, falling down, the hideous things would light 

Upon her feet, and crawling thence would twine 

Their slimy folds about her ankles fine. 

But in a thin red garment was she clad, 

And round her waist a jewelled band she had, 

The gift of Neptune on the fatal day 

When fate her happiness first put away. 

So there av/hile unseen did Perseus stand, 
With softening heart, and doubtful trembling hand 
Laid on his sword-hilt, muttering, " Would that she 
Had never turned her woful face to me ! " 
But therewith Pallas smote him with this thought, 
" Does she desire to live, who has been brought 
Into such utter woe and misery, 
Wherefrom no god or man can set her free, 
Since Pallas' dreadful vow shall bind her fast, 
Till earth and heaven are gone, and all is past ? 
— And yet, would God the thing were at an end ! " 

Then with that word, he saw her stop and rend 
The raiment from her tender breast and soft. 
And with a great cry lift her arms aloft ; 
Then on her breast her head sank, as she said, 
*' O ye, be merciful, and strike me dead ! 
How many an one cries unto you to live, 
Which gift ye find no little thing to give, 
O give it now to such, and unto me 
That other gift from which all people flee ! 

" O, was it not enough to take away 
The flowery m.eadows and the light of day ? 
Or not enough to take av/ay from me 
The once-loved faces that I used to see ; 
To take away sweet sounds and melodies. 
The song of birds, the rustle of the trees ; 
To make the prattle of the children cease, 
And wrap my soul in shadowy hollow peace. 
Devoid of longing ? Ah, no, not for me ! 
For those who die your friends this rest shall be ; 
For me no rest from shame and sore distress, 
For me no moment of forgetfulness ; 
For me a soul that still might love and hate. 



^\ 



THE DOOM OF KING ACRISIUS, 169 

Shut in this fearful land and desolate, 
Changed by mine eyes to horror and to stone ; 
For me perpetual anguish all alone, 
Midst many a tormenting misery, 
Because I know not if I e'er shall die. 

*' And yet, and yet, thee will I pray unto, 
Thou dweller in the varying halls of blue. 
Fathoms beneath the treacherous bridge of lands. 
Call now to mind that day upon the sands. 
Hard by the house of Pallas white and cold. 
Where hidden in some wave thou didst behold 
This body, fearless of the cold gray sea, 
And dowered as yet with fresh virginity. 

'' How many things thou promisedst me then ! 
Who among all the daughters of great men 
Should be Uke me ? what sweet and happy life ! 
What peace, if all the world should be at strife, 
Thou promisedst me then ! Lay all aside, 
And give unto the great Earth- Shaker's bride 
That which the wretch shut up in prison drear, 
Deprived of all, yet ceases not to fear ; 
That which all men fear more than all distress. 
Irrevocable dull forgetfulness. " 

Her constant woful prayer was heard at last, 
For now behind her unseen Perseus passed. 
And silently whirled the great sword around ; 
And when it fell, she fell upon the ground. 
And felt no more of all her bitter pain. 

But from their seats rose up with curses vain 
The two immortals when they saw her fall 
Headless upon the floor, and loud 'gan call 
On those that came not, because far away 
Their friends and kindred were upon that day. 
Then to and fro about the hall they ran 
To find the slayer, were he god or man. 
And when unseen from out the place he drew. 
Upon the unhappy corpse, with wails, they threw 
Their wretched and immortal bodies old : 
But when the one the other did behold. 
Alive and hideous there before her eyes, 
Such anguish for the past time would arise 
Within their hearts, that the lone hall would ring 
With dreadful shrieks of many an impious thing. 

Yet of their woe but little Perseus knew. 
As with a stout heart southeast still he flew. 



1 70 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 



NOW at his side a wallet Perseus bore, 
With threads of yellow gold embroidered o'er. 
Shuddering, therein he laid the fearful head, 
Lest he unwitting yet miglit join the dead, 
Or those he loved by sight of it be slain. 

But strong fate led him to the Lybian plain, 
Where, at the ending of a sultry day, 
A palace huge and fair beneath him lay. 
Whose roofs with silver plates were covered o'er ; 
Then lighting down by its enormous door. 
He heard unmeasured sounds of revelry. 
And thought, " A fair place this will be for me. 
Who lack both food and drink, and rest this night 
So turning to the ruddy flood of light. 
Up the huge steps he toiled unto the hall ; 
But even as his eager foot did fall 
Upon the threshold, such a mocking shout 
Rang in his ears as ^^tna sendeth out 
When, at the day's end, round the stithy cold 
The Cyclops some unmeasured banquet hold. 
And monstrous men could he see sitting there. 
Burnt by the sun, with length of straight back hair, 
And taller far than men are wont to be ; 
And at a gold-strewn da'is could he see 
A mighty King, a fearful man to face. 
Brown-skinned and black -haired, of the giants' race, 
Who, seeing him, with thundering voice 'gan call, 
" O stranger, come forthwith into the hall, 
Atlas would see thee ! " Forth stood Perseus then, 
And going 'twixt the rows of uncouth men 
Seemed but a pygmy ; but his heart was great. 
And vain is might against the stroke of fate. 

Then the King cried, ' ' Who art thou, little one ? 
Surely in thy land weak must be the sun 
If there are bred such tender folk as thou : 
May the gods grant such men are few enow ! 
Art thou a king's son ? " Loud he laughed withal, 
And shouts of laughter rang throughout the hall, 
Like clattering thunder on a July night. 
But Perseus quailed not. " Little were my might," 
He said, "if helpless on the earth I v/ere ; 
But to the equal gods my life is dear. 
And certes victory over Jove's own son 
By earthly men shall not be lightly won." 



THE DOOM OF KING ACRISIUS. i^i 

So spake he, moving inward from the door, 
But louder laughed the black King than before, 
And all his people shouted at his beck ; 
Therewith he cried, " Break now this Prince's neck, 
And take him forth and hang him up straightway 
Before my door, that henceforth from this day 
Pygmies and jesters may take better heed. 
Lest at our hands they gain a liar's meed." 

Then started up two huge men from the board. 
And Perseus, seeing them come, half drew his sword, 
Looking this way and that ; but in a while, 
Upon his wallet with a deadly smile 
Pie set his hand, and forth the head he drew. 
Dead, white midst golden hair, where serpents blue 
Yet dangled dead ; and ere they stooped to take 
His outstretched arms, before them he did shake 
The dreadful thing : then stopped they suddenly, 
Stone dead, without a wound or any cry. 

Then toward the King he held aloft the head, 
And as he stiffened cried at him, and said, 
" O King ! when such a gift I bring to thee. 
Wilt thou be dumb and neither hear nor see ? 
Listen how sing thy men, and in thy hall 
How swift the merry dancers' feet do fall ! " 

For now these, thinking him some god to be, 
Cried in their fear, and made great haste to flee, 
Crowding about the great doors of the hall, 
Until not one was left of great or small, 
But the dead King, and those that there had died. — 
Lo, in such way Medusa's head was tried ! 

But when the living giant-folk were gone. 
And with the dead men there he stood alone, 
He turned him to the food that thereby lay. 
And ate and drank with none to say him nay ; 
And on the floor at last he laid him down. 
Midst heaps of unknown tawny skins and brown. 

There all the night in dreamless sleep he lay. 
But rose again at the first streak of day, 
And looking round about rejoiced to see 
The uncouth image of his enemy. 
Silent forever, with wide mouth agape 
E'en as he died ; and thought, * ' Who now shall 'scape 
When I am angry, while this gift I have ? 
How well my needy lovers I may save 
While this dread thing still hangeth by my side ! " 

Then out he passed : a plain burnt up, and wide, 



172 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

He saw before him, bare of any trees, 
And much he longed for the green dashing seas, 
And merry winds of the sweet island shore, 
Fain of the gulFs cry, for the lion's roar. 
Yet, glad at heart, he lifted up his feet 
From the parched earth, and soon the air did beat, 
Going northeast, and flew forth all the day, 
And when the night fell still was on the way ; 
And many a sandy plain did he pass o'er, 
And many a dry much-trodden river-shore. 
Where thick the thirsty beasts stood in the night. 
The stealthy leopard saw him with afright, 
As whining from the thicket it crept out ; 
The lion drew back at his sudden shout 
From off the carcass of some slaughtered beast ; 
And the thin jackals waiting for the feast 
Stinted their hungry howls as he passed by ; 
And black men, sleeping, as he came anigh 
Dreamed ugly dreams, and reached their hands to seize 
The spear or sword that lay across their knees. 

So at the last the sea before him lay, 
And yet, therefore, he made not any stay, 
But flew on till the night began to wane. 
And the gray sea was blue and green again ; 
Until the sunlight on his wings shone fair, 
And turned to red the gold locks of his hair. 
Then in a little while he saw no land, 
But all was heaving sea on every hand. 
Driven this way and that way by the wind. 

Still fast he flew, thinking some coast to find, 
And so, about the middle of the day. 
Far to the east a land before him lay, 
And when unto it he was come anigh 
He saw the sea beat on black cliffs and high, 
\Vith green grass growing on the tops of them. 
Binding them round as gold a garment's hem. 

Then slowly alongside thereof he flew 
If haply by some sign the land he knew. 
Until a ness he reached, whereon there stood 
A tower new built of mighty beams of wood ; 
So nigh he came that, unseen, he could see 
Pale, haggard faces peering anxiously 
From out its well-barred windows that looked forth 
Into a bay that lay upon the north ; 



THE DOOM OF KING ACRISIUS, 173 

But inland over moveless waves of down 

Shone the white walls of some great royal town. 

Now miderneath the scarped cliffs of the bay 

From horn to horn a belt of sand there lay 

Fast lessening as the flood-tide swallowed it, 

There all about did the sea-swallows flit, 

And from the black rocks yellow hawks flew down, 

And cormorants fished amidst the sea-weed brown, 

Or on the low rocks nigh unto the sea. 

While over all the fresh wind merrily 

Blew from the sea, and o'er the pdle blue sky 

Thin clouds were stretched the way the wind went by, 

And forward did the mighty waters press 

As though they loved the green earth's steadfastness. 

Naught slept, but everything was bright and fair 

Beneath the bright sun and the noon-day air. 

Now hovering there, he seemed to hear a sound 
Unlike the sea-bird's cry, and, looking round, 
He saw a figure standing motionless 
Beneath the cliff, midway 'tvvixt ness and ness. 
And as the wind lulled heard that cry again, 
That sounded like the wail of one in pain ; 
Wondering thereat, and seeking marvels new. 
He lighted down, and toward the place he drew^ 
And, made invisible by Pallas' aid, 
He came within the scarped cliff's purple shade. 
And found a woman standing lonely there, 
Naked, except for tresses of her hair 
That o'er her white limbs by the breeze were wound. 
And brazen chains her weary arms that bound 
Unto the sea-beat overhanging rock, 
As though her golden-crowned head to mock. 
But nigh her feet upon the sand there lay 
Rich raiment that had covered her that day. 
Worthy to be the ransom of a king, 
Unworthy round such loveliness to cling. 

Alas, alas ! no bridal play this was. 
The tremors that throughout her limbs did pass. 
Her restless eyes, the catching of her breath, 
Were but the work of the cold hand of death, 
She waited for, midst untold miseries. 
As, now with head cast back, and close-shut eyes 
She wailed aloud, and now all spent with woe 
Stared out across the rising sea, as though 
She deemed each minute brought the end anigh 
For which in her despair she needs must cry. 



174 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Then unseen Perseus stole anigh the maid, 
And love upon his heart a soft hand laid, 
And tender pity rent it for her pain, 
Nor yet an eager cry could he refrain, 
As now, transformed by that piteous sight, 
Grown like unto a god for pride and might, 
Do^^TL on the sand the mystic cap he cast 
And stood before her with flushed face at last, . 
And gray eyes glittering ^^-ith his great desire 
Beneath his hair, that like a harmless fire 
Blo^^TL by the wind shone in her hopeless eyes. 

But she, all rigid with her first surprise. 
Ceasing her wailing as she heard his ciy. 
Stared at him, dumb with fear and miseiy. 
Shrunk closer yet unto the rocky place 
And -s^Tithed her bound hands as to hide her face ; 
But sudden love his heart did so constrain, 
With open mouth he strove to speak in vain, 
And from his heart the hot tears 'gan to rise ; 
But she midst fear beheld his kind gray eyes. 
And then, as hope came glimmering through her dread, 
In a weak voice he scarce could hear, she said, 
" O death ! if thou hast risen from the sea, 
Sent by the gods to end this miseiy, 
I thank them that thou comest in this form, 
"Who rather thought to see a hideous worm 
Come trailing up the sands from out the deep, 
Or suddenly swing over from the steep, 
To lap me in his folds, and bone by bone 
Crush all my body : come then, ^^^th no moan, 
Will I make ready now to leave the light. 

'' But yet — thy face is wonderful and bright ; 
Art thou'a god ? Ah, then be kind to me ! 
Is there no valley far off from the sea 
Where I may live alone, afar from strife 
Nor anger any god ^rith my poor life ? 
Or do the gods delight in miseiy 
And art thou come to mock me ere I die? 
Alas, must they be pitiless, when they 
Fear not the hopeless slayer of the day ! 
Speak, speak ! what meanest thou by that sad smile ? 

*' O, if the gods could be but men awhile 
And learn such fearful things unspeakable 
As I have learned this mom, what man can tell 
What golden age might wrap the world again — 
Ah, dost thou love me, is my speech not vain ? 



THE DOOM OF KING ACRISIUS. 175 

Did not my beauty perish on this mom, 
Dost thou not kiss me now for veiy scorn ? 
jrVlas, my shame, I cannot flee from thee ! 
Alas, my sin ! no green-stemmed laurel-tree 
Shall mock thy grasp, no misty mountain stream 
Shall wake thee shuddering from a lovely dream, 
No helping god shall hear, but thou alone ! — 
Help me, I faint ! I see not \ art thou gone ? 
Alas ! thy lips were warm upon my brow, 
What good deed will it be to leave me now ! 

' ' O, yet I feel thy kind and tender hand 
On my chained wrist, and thou w41t find some land 
Where I may live a little, free from fear ? 

' ' And yet, and yet, if thou hast sought me here 
Being but a man, no manly thing it is, 
Nor hope thou from henceforth to live in bliss, 
If here thou wrongest me, who am but dead. " 

Then as she might she hung adown her head. 
Her bosom heaved with sobs, and from her eyes 
Long dried amidst those hopeless miseries 
Unchecked the salt tears o'er her bosom ran 
As love and shame their varying strife began. 

But overwhelmed with pity, mad with love, 
Stammering, nigh weeping, spoke the son of Jove, — 
*' Alas, what land is this, where such as thou 
Are thus tormented ? look upon me now. 
And cease thy fear ! no evil man am I, 
No cruel god to mock thy misery ; 
But the gods help me, and their unmoved will 
Has sent me here to save thee from some ill, 
I know not what ; to give thee rest from this, 
And unto me unutterable bliss, 
If from a man thou takest not away 
The gift thou gavest to a god to-day ; 
But I may be a veiy god to thee, 
Because the gods are helpful unto me, 
Nor would I fear them aught if thou wert nigh. 
Since unto each it happeneth once to die. 

" Speak not, sweet maid, till I have loosed thine hands 
From out the grasp of these unworthy bands. " 

So straight, and ere her lips could frame a word, 
From out its sheath he drew the gleaming sword. 
And while she shut her dazzled eyes for fear 
To see the glittering marvel draw anear. 
Unto her side her weary arms fell freed ; 
Then must she shrink away, for now indeed 



176 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

With rest and hope and growing love there came 
Remembrance of her helplessness and shame. 
Weeping she said, ' ' My fate is but to die, 
Forget the wild words of my misery, 
Take a poor maiden's thanks, and leave this place. 
Nor for thy pity die before my face. 
As verily thou wilt if thou stay'st here ; 
Because, however free thou art from fear, 
What hopest thou against this beast to do, 
My death, and thine unconquerable foe ? 
When all a kingdom's strength has had no hope 
With this strange horror, God -endowed, to cope. 
But deemed it good to give up one poor maid 
Unto his wrath, who makes the world afraid." 

'' Nay,'^ said he, " but thy fate shall be my fate, 
And on these sands thy bane will I await, 
Though I know naught of all his mightiness ; 
For scarcely yet a man, I none the less 
Such things have done as make me now a name, 
Nor can I live a loveless life of shame. 
Or leave thee now, this day's most god-like gain. 
To suffer some unknown and mortal pain." 

She, hurrying as he spoke, with trembling hands 
Had lifted up her raiment from the sands. 
And yet therewith she was not well arrayed. 
Before she turned round, ghastly white, and said, 
* ' Look seaward and behold my death draw nigh, 
Not thine — not thine — but kiss me ere I die ; 
Alas ! how many things I had to tell. 
For certainly I should have loved thee well." 

He came to her and kissed her as she sank 
Into his arms, and from the horror shrank. 
Clinging to him, scarce knowing he was there ; 
But through the drifting wonder of her hair, 
Amidst his pity, he beheld the sea, 
And saw a huge wave rising mightily 
Above the smaller breakers of the shore, 
Which in its green breast for a minute bore 
A nameless horror, that it cast aland. 
And left, a huge mass on the oozing sand, 
That scarcely seemed a living thing to be, 
Until at last those twain it seemed to see, 
And, gathering up its strange limbs, towards them passed. 
And therewithal a dismal trumpet-blast 
Rang from the tower, and from the distant town 
The wind in answer iDrought loud wails adown. 



THE DOOM OF KING ACRISIUS. 177 

Then Perseus gently put the maid from him, 
Who sank down shivering in her every limb, 
Silent despite herself for fear and woe, 
As down the beach he ran to meet the foe. 

But he, beholding Jove's son drawing near, 
A great black fold against him did uprear, 
Maned with gray tufts of hair, as some old tree 
Hung round with moss, in lands where vapors be ; 
From his bare skull his red eyes glowed like flame, 
And from his open mouth a sound there came, 
Strident and hideous, that still louder grew 
As that rare sight of one in arms he knew : 
But godlike, fearless, burning with desire. 
The adamant jaws and hdless eyes of fire 
Did Perseus mock, and lightly leapt aside 
As forward did the torture-chamber ghde 
Of his huge head, and ere the beast could turn, 
One moment bright did blue-edged Herpe burn. 
The next was quenched in the black flow of blood ; 
Then in confused folds the hero stood. 
His bright face shadowed by the jaws of death, 
His hair blown backward by the poisonous breath ; 
But all that passed, like lightning-lighted street 
In the dark night, as the blue blade did meet 
The wrinkled neck, and with no faltering stroke, 
Like a god's hand the fell enchantment broke. 
And then again in place of crash and roar, 
He heard the shallow^ breakers on the shore, 
And o'er his head the sea-gull's plaintive cry. 
Careless as gods for who might live or die. 

Then Perseus from the slimy loathsome coil 
Drew out his feet, and then with little toil 
Smote off the head, the terror of the lands, 
And, dragging it along, went up the sands. 
Shouting aloud for joy, *' Arise, arise, 
O thou whose name I know not ! Ope thine eyes 
To see the gift, that I, first seen to-day. 
Am hastening now before thy feet to lay ! 
Look up, look up ! What shall thy sweet face be. 
That I have seen amidst such misery. 
When thou at last beginnest to rejoice ? " 

Slowly she rose, her burdened heart found voice 
In sobs and murmurs inarticulate. 
And, clean forgetting all the sport of fate. 
She scarce could think that she should ever die, 
12 



178 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

As locked in fearless, loving, strait embrace, 
They made a heaven of that lone sandy place. 

Then on a rock smoothed by the washing sea 
They sat, and eyed each other lovingly. 
_And few words at the first the maiden said, 
So wrapped she was in all the goodlihead 
Of her new life made doubly happy now : ^ 

For her alone the sea-breeze seemed to blow, 
For her in music did the white surf fall, 
For her alone the wheeling birds did call 
Over the shallows, and the sky for her 
Was set with white clouds, far aw^ay and clear ; 
E'en as her love, this strong and lovely one 
Who held her hand, was but for her alone. 

But after loving silence for a while. 
She, turning round to him her heavenly smile, 
Said, " Tell me, O my love, what name is thine, 
What mother brought thee forth so nigh divine. 
Whence art thou come to take away my shame ? " 

Then said he, * ' Fair love, Perseus is my name, 
Not known of men, though that may come to be ; 
And her that bore me men call Danae, 
And tales of my begetting people tell 
And call my father Jove : but it befell 
Unto my mother, when I first was born. 
That she, cast out upon the sea, forlorn 
Of help of men, unto Seriphos came ; 
And there she dwells as now, not gathering shame, 
But called a Queen ; and thence I come indeed, 
Sent by the gods to help thee in thy need." 

Then he began and told her everything 
Down to the slaying of the monstrous king. 
She listening to him meanwhile, glad at heart 
That he had played so fair and great a part. 
But all being told, she said, " This salt pool nigh 
Left by the tide, now mirrors well the sky, 
So smooth it is, and now I stand anear 
Canst thou not see my foolish visage clear, 
Yea, e'en the little gems upon my hands ? 
May I not see this marvel of the lands 
So mirrored, and yet live ? — make no delay. 
The sea is pouring fast into the bay, 
And we must soon be gone. " 

*/ Look down," he said, 
" And take good heed thou turn^st not thine head." 
Then gazing down, with shuddering dread and awe. 



THE DOOM OF KING ACRISIUS, 179 

Over her imaged shoulder, soon she saw 

The head rise up, so beautiful and dread, 

That, white and ghastly, yet seemed scarcely dead 

Beside the image of her own fair face. 

As, daring not to move from off the place. 

But trembling sore, she cried, " Enough, O lave ! 

What man shall doubt thou art the son of Jove ? 

I think thou wilt not die " : then with her hand 

She hid her eyes, and trembling did she stand 

Until she felt his lips upon her cheek ; 

Then turning round, with anxious eyes and meek, 

She gaz;ed upon him, and some doubtful thought 

Up to her brow the tender color brought. 

And sinking 'somewhat down her golden head, 

Stammering a little now these words she said, — 

" O godlike man, thou dost not ask my name, 
Or why folk gave me up to death and shame ; 
Dost thou not dread I am some sorceress. 
Whose evil deeds well earned me that distress ? " 

* ' Tell me thy name, " he said ; * ' yet as for thee 
I deem that thou wert bound beside the sea. 
Because the gods would have the dearest thing 
Thy land possessed for its own ransoming," 

She said, " O love, the sea is rising fast, 
And time it is that we henceforth were passed ; 
The only path that leadeth to the dovm 
Is far, and thence a good way is the town ; P 

Come then, and on our journey will I tell S ' 

How all these things, now come to naught, befell." '% 

" Lead me," he said, and lifted from the sand i' 

The monster's head ; and therewith, hand in hand, 
Together underneath the cliffs they went. 
The while she told her tale to this intent. 

" This is the Syrian land, this town anigh 
Is Joppa, and Andromeda am I, 
Daughter of him who holds the sceptre there, 
King Cepheus, and Cassiope the fair. 

" She, smit by cruel madness, brought ill fate. 
Upon the land to make it desolate ; 
For by the place whence thou deliveredst me, 
An altar to the daughters of the sea 
Erewhile there stood, and we in solemn wise. 
Unto the maids were wont to sacrifice. 
And give them gifts of honey, oil, and wine, 
That we might have the love of folk divine ; 



1 



l8o THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

And so it chanced that on a certain day, 
When from that place the sea was ebbed away, 
Upon the firm sands I and many a maid 
About that altar went, while the flutes played 
Such notes as sea-folk love ; and as we went 
Upon the wind rich incense-clouds we sent 
About the hallowed stone, whereon there lay 
Fruits of the earth for them to bear away ; 
Thus did we maids, as we were wont to do. 
And watching us, as was their wont also, 
Our mothers stood, my own amidst the rest. 

" But ere the rites were done, as one possessed 
She cried aloud, ' Alas, what do we now. 
Such honor unto unseen folk to show ! 
To spend our goods, our labor, and our lives, 
In serving these the careless sea-wind drives 
Hither and thither through the booming seas ; 
While thou, Andromeda, art queen of these, 
And in thy limbs such lovely godhead moves, 
That thou shalt be new Mother of the Loves ; 
Thou shalt not die ! Go, child, and sit alone, 
And take our homage on thy golden throne ; 
And I that bore thee will but be thy slave. 
Nor shall another any worship have.' 

" Trembling awhile we stood with heads downcast, 
To hear those words, then from the beach wx passed ; 
And sick at heart each went unto her home 
Expecting when the fearful death should come, 
Like those of Thebes, who, smit by arrows, fell 
Before the feet of her who loved too well. 

' ' And yet stayed not my mother's madness there ; 
She caused men make a silver image fair 
Of me unhappy, round the base she writ 
' Fairest of all ^"^ and bade men cany it, 
With flowers and music, down unto the sea, 
Who on the altar fixed it solidly 
Against the beating of the winds and waves. 

*' But we, expecting now no quiet graves, 
Trembled at every murmur of the night. 
And if a cloud should hide the noon sun bright 
Grew faint with terror ; yet the days went by 
Harmless above our great iniquity. 
Until one wretched morn I woke to hear 
Down in the street loud wails and cries of fear, 
And my heart died within me, nor durst I 
Ask for the reason of that bitter cry, 



THE DOOM OF KING ACRISIUS. i8i 

Though soon I knew it, — nigh unto the sea 
Were gathered folk for some festivity ; 
When, at the happiest moment of their feast, 
Forth from the deep there came a fearful beast 
No man could name, who quickly snatched away 
Their fairest maid, and with small pain did slay 
Such men as there in arms before him stood ; 
For unto him was steel as rotten wood, 
And darts as straw, — nor grew the story old, 
Day after day e'en such a tale was told. ^ 
— Kiss me, my love ! I grow afraid_ again ; 
Kiss me amid the memory of my pain. 
Draw me to thee, that I thine arms may feel, 
A better help than triple brass or steel ! 

" Alas, love ! folk began to look on me 
With angry eyes, and mutter gloomily, 
As pale and trembling through the streets I passed ; 
And from the heavy thunder -cloud at last 
The dreadful lightning quivered through the air : 
For on a day the people filled the square 
With arms and tumult, and my name I heard, 
But heard no more ; for, shuddering and afeard, 
Unto my far-off quiet bower I fled. 
And from that moment deemed myself but dead. 
How the time passed I know not, what they did 

I know not now ; for like a quail half hid, ,. 

When the hawk's pinions shade the sun from him, |j 

Crouching adown, I felt my life wax dim. % 

*' The gods have made us mighty certainly Ij' 

That we can bear such things and yet not die. 
This mom — Ah, love, and was it yet this year, 
Wherein thou camest to me, kind and dear ? — 
This morn they brought me forth, they did on me 
This mocking raiment bright with bravery ; 
They mocked my head with gold, with gems my feet, 
My heart with lovely songs and music sweet. 
Thou wouldst have wept to see me led along 
Amidst that dreary pom.p with flowers and song, 
But if folk wept, how could I note it then ? 
Most vain to me were grown all ways of men. 

" They brought me to mine image on the sands, 
They took it down, they bore it in their hands 
'So deck mine empty tomb, I think, and then — 
O, cruel is the fearfulness of men. 
Striving a little while to 'scape death's pain ! — 
My naked body they spared not to chain, 



1 82 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

Lest I should 'scape the death from which they fled, 
Then left me there alone and shamed — and dead — 
While to his home each went again, to live 
Such vain forgetful life as fate might give. 

" O love, to think that love can pass away, 
That, soon or late, to us shall come a day 
When this shall be forgotten ! e'en this kiss 
That makes us now forget the high God's bliss, 
And sons of men with all their miseries. " 

'' Turn round," he said, " and let your well-loved eyes 
Behold the sea from this high grassy hill. 
And thou shalt see the risen waves now fill 
The bay from horn to horn of it : no more 
Thy footprints bless the shell-strewn sandy shore, 
The vale the monster scooped as 'neath my sword 
He writhed, the black stream that from out him poured, 
The rock we sat on, and the pool wherein 
Thou sawest the gods' revenge for heedless sin — 
How the green ripples of the shallow sea 
Cover the strife and passion peacefully. 
Nor lack the hallowing of the low broad sun. 

" So has love stolen upon us, lovely one, 
And quenched our old lives in this new delight, 
And if thou needs must think of that dull night 
That creepeth on no otherwise than this, 
Yet for that thought hold closer to thy bliss. 
Come nigher, come ! forget the more thy pain." 

So there of all love's feasting were they fain, 
Words fail to tell the joyance that they had. 
And with what words they made each other glad. 



SO, as it drew to ending of the day. 
Unto the city did they take their way, 
And when they stood before its walls at last 
They found the heavy gate thereof shut fast. 
And no one on the walls for very shame ; 
Then to the wicket straightway Perseus came. 
And down the monster's grinning head he threw, 
While on the horn a mighty blast he blew. 
But no one answered ; then he cried aloud, 
" Come forth, O warders, and no more shrink cowed 
Behind your battlements ! one man alone 



THE DOOM OF KING ACRISIUS. 183 

Has dared to do what thousands have not done, 
And the great beast beside the sea lies dead : 
Come forth, come forth ! and gaze upon this head ! " 

Then opened was the door a httle way, 
And one peered forth and saw him with the may, 
And turning round some joyous words he cried 
Unto the rest, who oped the great gates wide, 
And through them Perseus the saved maiden led. 
Then as the folk cast eyes upon the head. 
They stopped their shouts to gaze thereon with fear. 
And timidly the women drew anear ; 
But soon, beholding Perseus' godlike grace. 
His mighty Hmbs, and flushed and happy face, 
Cried out unto the maid, '* O happy thou, 
Who art well paid for every trouble now, 
In winning such a godlike man as this." 
And many there were fain his skirts to kiss ; 
But he smiled down on them, and said, " Rejoice, 
O girls, indeed, but yet lift heart and voice 
Unto the gods to-day, and not to me ! 
For they it was who sent me to this sea. 
And first of all fail not to bless the Maid 
Through whom it came that I was not afraid. " 

So through the streets they went, and quickly spread 
News that the terror of the land was dead. 
And folk thronged round to see the twain go by, 
Or went before with flowers and minstrelsy. 
Rejoicing for the slaying of their shame. 

Thus harbingered the happy lovers came 
Unto King Cepheus' royal house of gold. 
To whom by this the joyful cries had told 
That all was changed and still his days w^ere good, 
So, eager in his well-built porch he stood, 
No longer now in mournful raiment clad. 

But when they met, then were those two more glad 
Than words can say ; there came her mother, too. 
And round about her neck fair arms she threw, 
Weeping for joy ; and all about the King 
The great men stood and eyed the fearful thing 
That lay at Perseus' feet : then the King said, 
' ' O thou, who on this day hast saved my maid, 
Wilt thou rule half my kingdom from to-day ? 
Or wilt thou carry half my wealth away ? 
Or in some temple shall we honor thee. 
Setting thine image up beside the sea ? 



i84 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

Ask what thou wilt before these mighty lords, 
And straightway is it thine without more words." 

Then in his heart laughed Perseus : and, " O King,' 
He said, ** I ask indeed a mighty thing ; 
Yet neither will I take thy wealth away, 
Or make thee less a king than on this day. 
And in no temple shall mine image stand 
To look upon the sea that beats this land. 
For fear the God who now is friend to me 
Thereby should come to be mine enemy ; 
And yet on this day am I grown so bold, 
I ask a greater gift than power or gold ; 
Give me thy maiden saved, to be my bride. 
And let me go, because the world is wide. 
And the gods hate me not, and I am fain 
Some fertile land with these my hands to gain. 
Nor think thereby that thou wilt get thee shame, 
For if thou askest of my race and name, 
Perseus I am, the son of Danae, 
Born nigh to Argos, by the sounding sea, 
And those that know call me the son of Jove, 
Who in past days my mother's face did love." 

Then, glad at heart, the King said, " Poor indeed 
Were such a gift, to give thee to thy meed 
This that thine own unconquered hands have won, 
O ye ! bring now the head and cast thereon 
Jewels and gold from out my treasury, 
Till nothing of its grimness men can see ; 
And let folk bring round to the harbor's mouth 
My ship that saileth yearly to the south ; 
That to his own land, since it is his will. 
This Prince may go ; nor yet without his fill 
Of that which all men long for everywhere, 
Honor, and gold, and women kind and fair. 
And ye, O lords, to-morrow ere midday. 
Come hither to my house in great array. 
For then this marriage will we solemnize. 
Appeasing all the gods with gifts of price." 

Then loud all shouted, and the end of day 
Being come, Andromeda was led away 
Unto her bower, and there within a while 
She fell asleep, and in her sleep did smile. 
For on the calm of that forgetfulness 
Her bliss some happy longings did impress. 

But in the Syrian King's adorned hall 
Sat Perseus till the shadows 'gan to fall 



THE DOOM OF KING ACRISIUS, 185 

Shorter beneath the moon, and still he thought 
Amid the feast of what a day had brought 
Unto his heart, a foolish void before, 
And for the morrow must he long so sore 
That all those joyances and minstrelsy 
Seemed unto him but empty things to be. 

Early next morn the city was astir, Ijjj 

And country folk came in from far and near, 
Hearing the joyous tidings that the beast 
Was dead, and fain to see the marriage feast, 
And joyous folk wandered from street to street 
Crowned with fair flowers and singing carols sweet. 

Then to the maiden's chamber maidens came, 
And woke her up to love and joyous shame, 
And as the merry sun streamed through the room 
Spread out unequalled marvels of the loom, 
Stored up for such an end in days long done. 
Ere yet her gray eyes looked upon the sun. 
Fine webs like woven mist, wrought in the dawn, 
Long ere the dew had left the sunniest lawn. 
Gold cloth so wrought that naught of gold seemed there, 
But rather sunlight over blossoms fair ; 
You would have said that gods had made them, bright. 
To hide her body from the common light 
Lest men should die from unfulfilled desire. 

Gems too they showed wrought by the hidden fire 
That eats the world, and from the unquiet sea 
Pearls worth the ransom of an argosy. 

Yet all too httle all these riches seemed 
In worship of her, who, as one who dreamed. 
By her fair maidens' hands was there arrayed. 
Then, with loose hair, ungirded as a maid 
Unto the threshold of the house was brought, 
But when her hand familiar fingers caught 
And when that voice, that erst amidst her fear 
She deemed a god's, now smote upon her ear 
Like one new born to heaven she seemed to be. 

But dreamlike was the long solemnity, 
Unreal the joyous streets, where yesterday 
She passed half dead upon her wretched way ; 
And though before the flickering altar-flame 
She trembled when she thought of that past shame, 
And midst the shouting knit her brows to think 
Of what a cup these men had bidden her drink, 
Unreal they seemed, forgotten as a tale 



i86 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

We cannot tell, though it may still avail 

For pensive thoughts betwixt the day and night. 

All things unto the gods were done aright ; 
Beside the sea the flame and smoke uprose 
Over rich gifts of many things to those 
A woman's tongue had wounded ; golden veils 
And images, and bowls wrought o*er with tales, 
By all the altars of the gods were laid ; 
On this last day of maidenhood the maid 
Had stood before the shrines, and there had thrown 
Sweet incense on the flame, and through the town 
The praises of immortals had been sung. 
And sacred flowers about the houses hung ; 
And now the last hours of the dreamlike day 
Amid great feasting slowly passed away. 

But in that land there was q, mighty lord. 
To wliom erewhile the King had pledged his word 
That he should wed Andromeda, and he 
Heard through sure friends of this festivity 
And raged thereat, and thought that eve to come 
Unbidden to the feast and bear her home ; 
Phineus his "name was, great amidst great men. 

He, setting out, came to the great hall when 
The sun was wellnigh down ; all armed was he, 
And at his back came on tumultuously 
His armed men-slaves, and folk that loved him dear. 

Beholding him, the King rose up in fear, 
And all about the place scared folk uprose 
As men surprised at feast by deadly foes ; 
But Perseus laughing said, '* What feat do ye 
This eve in honor of my sweet and me ? 
Or are ye but the servants of the King 
Returned from doing for him some great thing 
In a far land ? then sit here and be glad, 
For on this day the King feeds good and bad." 

Then inarticulate with rage and grief 
Phineus turned on him, snatching at a sheaf 
Of darts that hung against a pillar there, 
And hurled one at him, that sung through his hair 
And smote a serving-man down by his side ; 
Then finding voice, he faced the King and cried, 
"What dost thou drinking with this robber here, 
Who comes to steal that which I hold so dear 
That on my knees I prayed for her to thee ? 
Speak, Cepheus ! wilt thou give her yet to me 



THE DOOM OF KING ACRISIUS. ' 187 

And have good peace withal, or wilt thou die ? 
Ho, friends, and ye that follow, cry my cry ! " 

Then straight the hall rang with a mighty shout 
Of '* Phineus," and from sheath and belt leapt out 
The gleaming steel, and Cepheus stammering 
Took heart to say, ' ' Think well upon this thing ; 
What should I do ? the man did save her life. 
And her he might have made his slave, as wife 
He asks for now ; take gifts and go thy way, 
Nor quench in blood the joyance of this day. " 

Then forth stood Perseus with a frowning face 
Before them all, and cried out from his place, 
*' Get ye behind my back, all friends to me ! 
And ere the lamps are lighted ye shall see 
A stranger thing than ye have ever dreamed " ; 
And as he spake in his left hand there gleamed 
The gold-wrought satchel ; but amazed and cowed 
Did the King's friends behind the hero crowd, 
Who, ere from out the bag he drew the head, 
Unto that band of fierce new-comers said : 
' ' Will ye have life or death ? if life, then go 
And on the grass outside your armor throw, 
And then returning, drink to my delight 
Until the summer sun puts out the night. " 

But loud they shouted, swaying to and fro, 
And mocked at him, and cried aloud to know 
If in his hand Jove's thunderbolt he had. 
Or Mars' red sword that makes the eagles glad ; 
But Phineus, raging, cried, "Take him alive. 
That we for many an hour the wretch may drive 
With thongs and clubs until he longs to die ! " 

Then all set on him with a mighty cry. 
But, with a shout that thrilled high over theirs, 
He drew the head out by the snaky hairs 
And turned on them the baleful glassy eyes \ 
Then sank to silence all that storm of cries 
And clashing arms ; the tossing points, that shone 
In the last sunbeams, went out one by one 
As the sun left them, for each man there died, 
E'en as the shepherd on the bare hillside. 
Smitten amid the grinding of the storm ; 
When, while the hare lies fiat in her wet form, 
E'en strong men quake for fear in houses strong. 
And nigh the ground the lightning runs along. 

But upright on their feet the dead men stood, 






i88^ THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

In brow and cheek still flushed the angry blood ; 
This smiled, the mouth of that was open wide, 
This other drew the great sword from his side, 
All were at point to do this thing or that. 

As silent in the hall the living sat 
As those dead men, till Perseus turned at last 
And over all a kingly look he cast. 
And said, " O friends, drink yet one cup to me, 
And then to-morrow will I try the sea 
With this my love ; and, sweet Andromeda, 
Forgive me that I needs must play this play ; 
Forget it, sweet ! thou wilt not see again 
This land of thine, upland, or hill, or plain ; 
There where we go shall all be new to thee 
Except the love that thou hast won from me. " 
Then to her frightened face there came a smile, 
And in her cheeks within a little while 
Sweet color came again ; but right few words 
Upon that night were said of King or lords. 

But soon again the lovers were alone 
Of all the sons of men remembering none. 
Forgetting every god but him whose bow 
About the vexed and flowery earth doth go. 



SO on the morn, when risen was the sun. 
About the capstan did the shipmen run, 
Warping the great ship to the harbor mouth 
That yearly went for treasures to the south, 
And thither from the palace did men bear 
Bales of rich cloth, and golden vessels rare, 
And gold new coined, and silver bars of weight. 
And women-slaves with bodies slim and straight 
Stood on the snow-white deck, and strong men-slaves. 
Brought from some conquered land beyond the waves, 
Bore down rich burdens ; so when all things due 
Were laid on shipboard, and to noon it grew. 
Thither came Perseus with his new-wed wife. 
And she, as losing somewhat of her life. 
Was pensive now and silent, and regret 
Must move her that her heart must soon forget 
All folk and things where first her life began. 



THE DOOM OF KING ACRISIUS. 

Yea, e'en the mother, whose worn face and wan, 
Tearless and haughty, yet looked o'er the sea, 
As though the life wherein no good could be 
She still would bear in every god's despite — 
— Ah, folk forget ; the damsel's heart grew light 
E'en while her country^s cliffs she yet could see. 
Should she remember, when so lovingly 
That cheek touched hers, and he was hers alone ? 

Love while ye may ; if twain grow into one 
'T is for a little while ; the time goes by. 
No hatred 'twixt the pair of friends doth lie, 
No troubles break their hearts — and yet, and yet — 
How could it be ? we strove not to forget ; 
Rather in vain to that old time we clung, 
Its hopes and wishes round our hearts we hung. 
We played old parts, we used old names — in vain, 
We go our ways, and tv/ain once more are twain ; 
Let pass — at latest when we come to die 
Thus shall the fashion of the world go by. 

But these, while still at brightest love's flame burned, 
Were glad indeed, as towards Seriphos turned 
Bright shone their gilded prow against the sun. 

Meanwhile the folk of Joppa, one by one. 
Took Phineus' people and their master dead, 
All turned to stone as they had seen the head, 
And in a lonely place they set them down. 
Upon a hill that overlooked the town. 
And round about them built a wall foursquare. 
And at each corner raised a temple fair. 
And therein altars made they unto Jove, 
Pallas, and Neptune, and the God of Love ; 
And in Jove's temple carved that history. 
That those who came there after them might see. 
From first to last, how all these things were done. 
And how these men last looked upon the sun. 

But the two lovers going on their way 
Grew happier still, as bright day followed day ; 
And, the wind favoring, in a little while 
They reached the low shore of the well-loved isle ; 
And, having beached the well-built keel, took land 
Where Danae's boat first touched the yellow sand. 
Then cityward alone did Perseus go 
His fatal gift unto the King to show ; 



190 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

And, passing through the fair fields hastily, 

Reached the green precinct, where he thought to see 

His mother he had left alive and well ; 

But from inside upon his ears there fell 

A noise of shrieks and clashing arms and shouts ; 

Thereto he ran beset with many doubts. 

Since Polydectes' evil wiles he knew, 

And what a fate he erst had doomed him to ; 

So, hurrying through, he reached the shrine at last, 

And there beheld his mother, her arms cast 

About Minerva's image, and by her 

Good Dictys, who, with shield and glittering spear, 

Abode the onslaught of an armed band. 

At head of whom did Polydectes stand. 

Then to her side sprang Perseus with a cry, 
And at that sight and sound she joyfully 
Said, '' Com'st thou, long desired ? naught fear I now. 
This kingly traitor soon shall lie alow. " 
Then the King tottered backward, and awhile 
Stood staring at him ; but an evil smile 
Soon hid his fear, as, turning, he beheld 
The glittering weapons that his stout slaves held, 
And he cried out, ' ' Yea, art thou back again ? 
And was my story forged for thee in vain ? 
Be merry then, but give me place or die ! 
I am not one to meet thee fearfully. 
But thee, O brother, must I then slay thee, 
And in our house must one more story be ? 
Give back ! nor for a woman's foolishness 
Bring curses on the name thou shouldest bless. 
— Set on at once then ! take the three of them 1 " 

Then once more clashed the spears, but on the hem 
Of that dread satchel Perseus set his hand. 
And put his friend aside, and took his stand 
Betwixt his mother and the island men ; 
And terribly he cried, " Thus take thou then 
The gift thou bad'st me bring to thee ! nor ask 
Of any man again another task. 
Except to cast on thee a little sand 
That thou-may'st reach in peace the shadowy land." 
His mocking speech he ended with a shout, 
And from the bag the dreadful head drew out, 
And shook it in the King's bewildered face ; 
Who unto him yet strove to make one pace 
With feebly brandished spear and drooping shield. 
Then unto stony death his heart did yield, 



THE DOOM OF KING ACRISIUS, 191 

And without any cry upright he died, 

With fallen arms and fixed eyes staring wide. 

But of his men the bravest turned and fled, 

And on the ground some trembled, wellnigh dead 

For very fear, till Perseus cried, " Arise, 

Lay down your arms and go ! Henceforth be wise ; 

Nor at kings' biddings 'gainst the just gods strive." 

But as they slunk away, too glad to live 

To need more words, and shivering with their dread, 

Once more did Perseus hide the fearful head, 

And toward his mother turned ; who, \vith pale face, 

Stood trembling there, remembering that embrace 

Within the brazen house ; but now he threw 

His arms about her as he used to do 

When her own arms his little body bore ; 

And smiling, even as he smiled of yore. 

He said, " O mother, fear me not at all, 

But yet bethink thee of the brazen wall 

And golden Jove, nor doubt from him I came ; 

And no more now shall I be called thy shame, 

But thy defence and glory everywhere. 

" But now to lovely Argos let us fare. 
Too small a land this is become for thee, 
And I may hope a greater sovereignty, 
Who, by God's help, have done such mighty things, 
Which I will tell thee of, while the wind sings 
Amongst the shrouds of my rich-laden keel, 
While by thy feet a god-given gift shall kneel, 
My bride new won ; in such like guise will we 
Come back to him who gave us to the sea, 
And make our peace and all ill blood forget, 
That through long happy years thou may'st live yet."^ 

Then did he take good Dictys by the hand. 
And said, " O righteous man, we leave this land. 
Nor leave thee giftless for the welcoming 
Thou gav'st us erst, nor for this other thing 
That thou hast Avrought for us this happy tide ; 
Therefore do thou as King herein abide. 
And win Jove's love by helping, in such wise 
As thou didst us, folk sunk in miseries." 

So gave he kingdoms, as he took away. 
For strong the god was in him on that day. 
And the gods smiled to hear him ; yea, and she 
Who armed him erst, then dealt so lovingly. 
She caused the people's hearts towards him to yearn. 



192 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Who, thronging round, began somehow to learn 

The story of his deeds, and cried aloud, 

" Be thou our King ! " Then showed he to the crowd 

Dictys his friend, and said, " I to my kin 

Must go, mine heritage and goods to win. 

And, a king, deal with kings ; but yet see here 

This royal man, my helpful friend and dear ; 

Loved of the gods, surely he is of worth 

For greater things." So saying he went forth 

And mid their reverence, leading by the hand 

His happy mother, turned unto the strand ; 

And still the wondering folk with them must go, 

And now such honor unto him would show, 

That rather they would make him god than king ; 

But while fresh carols round him these did sing 

They came unto the low, sea-beaten sand ; 

And Danae took the Syrian by the hand 

And kissed her, full of joy that such an one 

Should bear brave children to her godlike son : 

Then Perseus gave commands, and on the shore 

Great gifts they laid from out his plenteous store, 

To glad King Dictys' eyes withal, and then 

Bade farewell to him and his island men ; 

And all took ship, and, hoisting sail straightway. 

Departed o'er the restless plain and gray. 

Now fair the wind was for a day and night. 
But on the second day as it grew light, 
And they were thinking that they soon should be 
At Argos, rose a tempest on the sea, 
And drave them from their course unto a land 
Far north thereof. So on the yellow sand 
They hauled their ship, and thereto presently 
The good folk of the country drew anigh, 
To make their market ; and, being asked, they said 
That this was Thessaly, that strait paths led 
Through rugged mountains to a fertile plain 
Peneus watered, rich with many a fane : 
That following down the stream they soon should come 
Unto a mighty people's glorious home, 
A god-loved ancient city, called of men 
Larissa, and the time was fitting then 
To go thereto, and there should they have rest, 
For now each comer was an honored guest, 
Because Teutamias, the Thessalian king. 
His father dead with games was honoring. 



THE DOOM OF KING ACRISIUS. 193 

Then to that city Perseus fain would go, 
His might unto the gathered men to show ; 
Desiring, too, to gather tidings there 
Of how the old Acrisius yet might fare, 
And if unto his scarce-seen Argive home 
He in good peace might venture now to come. 
So of the country folk he took fair steeds 
And gave them gold, and goods for all their needs, 
And with a trusty band with this intent 
Through the rough passes of the hills he went. 
Bearing his mother and the Syrian may : 
As of a king's men deemed of his array. 
When to the fertile peopled fields he came ; 
But yet he bade that none should tell his name. 
So coming to Larissa, all men thought. 
That he who with him such great marvels brought 
Was some great king, though scanty was his band ; 
So honor did he get on every hand. 
But when the games began, and none could win 
A prize in any, if he played therein, 
A greater name they gave him, saying, " What worth ' 
In this poor age is left upon the earth 
To do such deeds ? Surely no man this is, 
But some god weary of the heavenly bliss." ■ I 

At last, when all the other games were done, 
Men fell to play at casting of the stone ; 
And strong men cast it, mighty of their hands, 
Bearers of great names in the Grecian lands : 
But Perseus stood and watched the play alone. 
Nor did he move when every man had thrown. 
Then cried Teutamias, " Nameless one ! see now 
How mightily these strong-armed heroes throw : 
Canst thou prevail in this as in the rest ? " 

*' O King ! " said Perseus, " now I think it best 
To try the Fates no more ; I must be gone : 
Therefore to-day thou seest me thus alone. 
For in the house my white-armed damsels stay 
To order matters for our homeward way." 

" Nay, stranger," said the King, " but rather take 
This golden garland for Teutamias' sake. 
And try one cast : look, here I have with me 
A well -loved guest, who is most fain to see 
Thy godlike strength, yea, we will draw anigh 

To watch the heavy stone like Jove's bolt fly I 

Forth from thine hand. " Then Perseus smiled and said, i| 

* ' Nay then, be wary, and guard well thine head ! ^Il 

13 



194 ^-^-^ EARTHLY PARADISE. 

For who of mortals knoweth where and when 
The bolts of Jove shall smite down foolish men ? " 

So said he, and withal the King drew nigb, 
And with him an old man, who anxiously 
Peered romid him as if looking for a foe ; 
Then Perseus made him ready for the throw, 
But even as he stooped the stone to raise, 
' The old man said, " That I the more may praise 
This hero's cast, come to the other end 
And we shall see the hill of granite send 
The earth and stones up as its course is spent." 
So then beyond the farthest cast they went 
By some three yards, and stood aside ; but now 
Since it was evening and the sun was low 
Its beams were in their eyes, nor could they see 
If Perseus moved or not, then restlessly 
Looking this w^ay or that, the ancient man, 
Gathering his garments up, in haste began 
To cross the place, but when a warning shout 
Rang in his ears, then wavering and in doubt 
He stopped, and scarcely had he time to hear 
A second cry of horror and of fear. 
Ere crushed, and beaten down upon the ground, 
The end of all his weary life he found. 

Then women shrieked, and strong men shouted out, 
And Perseus ran to those that drew aV)out 
The slain old man, and asked them of his name ; 
But the King, eying him as nigh he came. 
Said, " This we know, and thy hid name we know, 
For certainly thou art his fated foe. 
His very daughter's strange-begotten son. 
The child the sea cast up, the dreaded one. 
This was Acrisius, who for fear of thee 
Shut up thy mother by the sounding sea ; 
This was the man, who, for the very dread 
Of meeting thee, from lovely Argos fled 
To be my guest. Nay, let thy sharp sword bide 
Within its sheath, the world is fair and wide, 
Nor have we aught to do to thee for this ; 
Go then in peace, and live in woe or bliss 
E'en as thou may'st, but stay with us no more, 
Because we fear the gods may plague us sore 
For this thy deed, though they would have it so." 

Then soberly thenceforth did Perseus go 



THE DOOM OF KING ACRISIUS. 195 

Unto his folk, and straightly told them all 
That on that luckless day had chanced to fall ; 
Wondering thereat, there made they no delay 
But down unto the sea they took their way ; 
And much did Danae ponder as they w^ent 
How the high gods had wrought out their intent, 
And thinking on these things she needs must sigh 
For pity of her sweet life passing by. 

But when they reached the border of the sea, 
Then Perseus said, *' Though all unwittingly 
I slew this man, and though perchance of right 
His throne is mine, yet never will I fight 
Against the just gods, and I fear the stain 
Of kindred blood, if slaying him I gain 
His kingdom and the oity of my birth : 
Now, therefore, since the gods have made the earth 
Most fair in many places, let us go 
Where'er the god-sent fated wind shall blow 
The ship, that carries one the high gods love. 
But first the armed lovely Maid of Jove 
Here let us worship, on this yellow beach, 
That her, my helper erst, we may beseech 
To grant us much, and first of all things, this, 
A land where we may dwell awhile in bliss." 

They heard him gladly, for the most of those 
Were young, nor yet by mishaps and by foes 
Had learned to think the world a dreary thing ; 
So round about the altar did they sing 
And feasted well, and when the day came round 
Once more, they went a-shipboard to the sound 
Of trumpets and heart- moving melody. 
And gave their rich keel to the restless sea. 

Then for four days before the wind they drove, 
Until at last in sight a new land hove 
Their pilot called the coast of Argolis, 
That rich in cattle and in horses is. 

But landing there had Perseus' godlike fame 
Gone on before him, and the people came 
And cried upon him for their king and lord, 
The people's saving shield and conquering sword ; 
So in that land he failed not to abide, 
And there with many rites he purified 
His fated hands of that unlooked-for guilt ; 
And there a town within a while he built 
Men call Mycenoe. Peaceful grew the land 
The while the ivory rod was in his hand, 



196 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

For robbers fled, and good men still waxed strong, 
And in no house was any sound of wrong, 
Until the Golden Age seemed there to be, 
So steeped the land was in felicity. 

Time passed, and there his wife and mother died, 
And he, no god, must lie down by their side, 
While Alceus, his first son, reigned after him, 
A conquering king, and fair, and strong of limb. 

But long ere this he did not fail to lay 
The sacred things that brought him on his way 
Within Minerva's temple ; there with awe 
'Twixt silver bars, all folk these marvels saw. 
But not for long, for on the twentieth day 
From the fair temple were they snatched away 
Though by the armed priests guarded faithfully. 
But still the empty wallet there did lie 
Wherein had Perseus borne the head with him, 
Which still, when his great deeds were waxing dim, 
Hung in the Maiden's temple near the shrine, 
And folk would pour before it oil and wine. 

And know besides, that from that very year 
Those who are wise say that the Maid doth bear 
Amidst her shield that awful snaky head 
Whereby so many heedless ones are dead. 



BEFORE the last words of his tale were done 
The purple hills had hidden half the sun. 
But when the story's death a silence made 
Within the hall, in freshness and in shade 
The trembling blossoms of the garden lay. 

Few words at first the elder men could say. 
For thinking how all stories end with this. 
Whatever was the midway gain and bliss : 
" He died, and in his place was set his son ; 
He died, and in a few days every one 
Went on their way as though he had not been." 

Yet with the pictures that their eyes had seen. 
As still from point to point that history passed. 
And round their thoughts its painted veil was cast. 
Their hearts were softened, — far away they saw 



APRIL. 197 

That other world, that *neath another law 

Had lived and died ; when man migiit hope to see 

Some earthly image of Divinity, 

And yet not die, but, strengthened by the sight, 

Cast fear away, and go from might to might, 

Until to godlike life, though short, he came, 

Amidst all losses winning hope of fame. 

Nor losing joy the while his life should 'dure, 

For that at least his valiant strife made sure, 

That still in place of dreamy, youthful hope. 

With slow decay and certain death could cope. • 

So mused the Wanderers, and awhile might deem 
That world might not be quite an empty dream. 
But dim foreshadowings of what yet might come 
When they perforce must leave that new-gained home ; 
Foreshadowings mingled with the images 
'Of man's misdeeds in greater days than these. 

With no harsh words their musing was undone, 
The garden birds sang down the setting sun, 
A rainy wind from 'twixt the trees arose. 
And sang a mournful counterpoint to those ; 
And, ere the rain amidst the dark could fall, 
The minstrel's song was ringing through the hall. 



WHEN April-tide was melting into May, 
Within a hall that midst the gardens lay 
These elders met, and having feasted well, 
The time came round the wonted tale to tell. 
Then spake a Wanderer : " Sirs, it happed to me, 
Long years agone, to cross the narrow sea 
Tliat 'twixt us Drontheimers and England lies ; 
Young was I then, and little thought these eyes 
Should see so many lands ere all was done. 
" But this land was a fair and fertile one. 
As at that time, for April-tide it was. 
Even as now ; well, sirs, it came to pass 
That to this town or that we took our way, 
Or in some abbey's guesten-chamber lay, 
And many tales we heard, some false, some true. 
Of the ill deeds our fathers used to do 
Within that land ; and still the tale v/ould end, 



^i^ft 



198 THE- EARTHLY PARADISE. 

' Yet did the Saint his Holy House defend' ; 
Or, ' Sirs, their fury all was naught and vain, 
And by our Earl the pirate-king was slain.' 
God wot, I laughed full often in my sleeve, 
And could have told them stories, by their leave, 
With other endings : but I held my tongue. 
Let each king's deeds in his own land be sung, 
And then will lies stretch far. Besides, these men 
Were puffed up with their luck and glory then. 
For at that tide, within the land of France, 
• Unto their piping must all people dance. 

— But let that pass, for Captain Rolf has told 
How, on the way, their king he did behold. 

" For other tales they told, and one of these 
Not all the washing of the troublous seas, 
Not all the changeful days whereof ye know. 
Has swept from out my memory ; even so 
Small things far off will be remembered clear 
When matters both more weighty and more near 
Are waxing dim to us. I, who have seen 
So many lands, and midst such marvels been, 
Clearer than these abodes of outland men 
Can see above the green and unburnt fen 
The little houses of an English town. 
Cross- timbered, thatched with fen-reeds coarse and brown, 
And, high o'er these, three gables, great and fair, 
That slender rods of columns do upbear 
Over the minster doors, and imageiy 
Of kings, and flowers no summer field doth see, 
Wrought on those gables. — Yea, I heard withal. 
In the fresh morning air, the trowels fall 
Upon the stone, a thin noise far away ; 
For high up wrought the masons on that day. 
Since to the monks that house seemed scarcely well 
Till they had set a spire or pinnacle 
Each side the great porch. In that burgh I heard 
This tale, and late have set down every word 
That I remembered when the thoughts would come, 
Of what we did in our deserted home. 
And of the days, long past, when we were young, 
Nor knew the cloudy woes that o'er us hung. 
And howsoever I am now grown old. 
Yet it is still the tale I then heard told 
Within the guest-house of that minster-close, 
Whose walls, like cliffs new made, before us rose." 



THE PROUD KING. 



ARGUMENT. .^. 

M 

A CERTAIN king, blinded by pride, thought that he was something more 
than man, if not equal to God ; but such a judgment fell on him that 
none knew him for king, and he suffered many things, till in the end, 
humbling himself, he regained his kingdom and honor. 

IN a far country that I cannot name, 
And on a year long ages past away, 
A King there dwelt, in rest and ease and fame, 
And richer than the Emperor is to-day : 
The very thought of what this man might say 
From dusk to dawn kept many a lord awake, 
For fear of him did many a great man quake. 

Young was he when he first sat on the throne, 
And he was wedded to a noble wife, 
But at the dais must he sit alone, 
Nor durst a man speak to him for his life, 
Except with leave : naught knew he change or strife, 
But that the years passed silently away, 
And in his black beard gathered specks of gray. 

Now so it chanced, upon a May morning, 
Vakeful he lay when yet low was the sun. 
Looking distraught at many a royal thing. 
And counting up his titles one by one. 
And thinking much of things that he had done ; 
For full of life he felt, and hale and strong. 
And knew that none durst say when he did wrong. 

For no man now could give him dread or doubt. 
The land was 'neath his sceptre far and wide. 
And at his beck would well-armed myriads shout. 
Then swelled his vain, unthinking heart with pride, 
Until at last he raised him up and cried, 
'' What need have T for temple or for priest, 
Am I not God, whiles that I live at least ? " 



200 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

And yet withal that dead his fathers were, 
He needs must think that quick the years pass by ; 
But he, who seldom yet had seen Death near 
Or heard his name, said, *' Still I may not die, 
Though underneath the earth my fathers lie ; 
My sire indeed was called a mighty king, 
Yet, in regard of mine, a little thing 

' ' His kingdom was ; moreover his grandsire 
^ To him was but a prince of narrow lands, 
^ Whose father, though to things he did aspire 
Beyond most men, a great knight of his hands, 
Yet ruled some little town where now there stands 
The kennel of my dogs ; then may not I 
Rise higher yet, nor like poor wretches die ? 

'* Since up the ladder ever we have gone 
Step after step nor fallen back again ; 
And there are tales of people who have won 
A life enduring, without care or pain. 
Or any man to make their wishes vain ; 
Perchance this prize unwitting now I hold ; 
For times change fast, the v/orld is waxen old." 

So mid these thoughts once more he fell asleep, 
And when he woke again, high was the sun, 
Then quickly from his gold bed did he leap, 
And of his former thoughts remembered none, 
But said, " To-day through green woods will we run, 
Nor shall to-day be worse than yesterday. 
But better it may be, for game and play." 

So for the hunt was he apparelled. 
And forth he rode with heart right well at ease ; 
And many a strong, deep-chested hound they led, 
Over the dewy grass betwixt the trees. 
And fair white horses fit for the white knees 
Of Her the ancients fabled rides anights 
Betwixt the setting and the rising lights. 

Now following up a mighty hart and swift 
The King rode long upon that morning-tide. 
And since his horse was worth a kingdom's gift, 
It chanced him all his servants to outride. 
Until unto a shaded river-side 
He came alone at hottest of the sun. 
When all the freshness of the day was done. 



THE PROUD KING, 20i ! 

Dismounting there, and seeing so far adown 
The red-finned fishes o'er the gravel play, 
It seemed that moment worth his royal crown 
To hide there from the burning of the day, 
Wherefore he did off all his rich array, 
And tied his horse unto a neighboring tree, 
And in the water sported leisurely. 

But when he was fulfilled of this delight 
He gat him to the bank well satisfied, 
And thought to do on him his raiment bright 
And homeward to his royal house to ride ; 
But 'mazed and angry, looking far and wide, 
Naught saw he of his horse and rich attire. 
And 'gainst the thief 'gan threaten vengeance dire. 

But little help his fury was to him, 
So lustily he 'gan to shout and cry ; 
None answered ; still the lazy chub did swim 
By inches 'gainst the stream ; away did fly 
The small pied bird, but nathless stayed anigh, 
And o'er the stream still plied his fluttering trade, 
Of such a helpless man not much afraid. 

Weary of crying in that lonely place 
He ceased at last, and thinking what to do, . 

E'en as he was, up stream he set his face. 

Since not far off a certain house he knew ^ 

Where dwelt his ranger, a lord leal and true, | 

Who many a bounty at his hands had had, 
And now to do him ease would be right glad. ' 

Thither he hastened on, and as he went \ 

The hot sun sorely burned his naked skin, , 

The whiles he thought, " When he to me has lent \ 

Fine raiment, and at ease I sit within 
His coolest chamber clad in linen thin. 
And drinking wine, the best that he has got, 
I shall forget this troublous day and hot." 

Now note, that while he thus was on his way, 
And still his people for their master sought, / 

There met them one who in the King's array 
Bestrode his very horse, and as they thought 
Was none but he in good time to them brought. 

Therefore they hailed him king, and so all rode j|| 

From out the forest to his fair abode. l!! 



202 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

And there in royal guise he sat at meat, 
Served, as his wont was, 'neath the canopy. 
And there the hounds fawned round about his feet, 
And there that city's elders did he see. 
And with his lords took counsel what should be ; 
And there at supper when the day waxed dim 
The Queen within his chamber greeted him. 



LEAVE we him there ; for to the ranger's gate 
The other came, and on the horn he blew, 
Till peered the wary porter through the grate 
To see if he, perchance, the blower knew. 
Before he should the wicket-gate undo ; 
But when he saw him standing there, he cried, 
" What dost thou friend, to show us all thine hide ? 

" We list not buy to-day or flesh or fell ; 
Go home and get thyself a shirt at least. 
If thou wouldst aught, for saith our vicar well. 
That God hath given clothes e'en to the beast." 
Therewith he turned to go, but, as he ceased, 
The King cried out, " Open, O foolish man ! 
I am thy lord and king, Jovinian ; 

' ' Go now, and tell thy master I am here 
Desiring food and clothes, and in this plight, 
And then hereafter need'st thou have no &ar. 
Because thou didst not know me at first sight." 
'' Yea, yea, I am but dreaming in the night," 
The carle said, *' and I bid thee, friend, to dream, 
Come through ! here is no gate, it doth but seem." 

With that his visage vanished from the grate ; 
But when the King now found himself alone. 
He hurled himself against the mighty gate. 
And beat upon it madly with a stone. 
Half wondering, midst his rage, how any one 
Could live, if longed-for things he chanced to lack ; 
But midst all this, at last the gate flew back, 

And there the porter stood, brown-bill in hand, 
And said, " Ah, fool, thou makest this ado. 
Wishing before my lord's high seat to stand ; 
Thou shalt be gladder soon hereby to go, 



THE PROUD KING, 203 

Or surely naught of handy blows I know. 
Come, willy nilly, thou shalt tell this tale 
Unto my lord, if aught it may avail. " 

With that his staff he handled, as if he 
Would smite the King, and said, " Get on before! 
St. Mary ! now thou goest full leisurely, .^ 

Who, erewhile, fain wouldst batter down the door. 
See now, if ere this matter is passed o'er, 
I come to harm,, yet thou shalt not escape. 
Thy back is broad enow to pay thy jape." 

Half blind with rage the King before him passed. 
But naught of all he doomed him to durst say, 
Lest he from rest nigh won should yet be cast, 
So with a swelling heart he took his way. 
Thinking right soon his shame to cast away, 
And the carle followed still, ill satisfied 
With such a wretched losel to abide. 

Fair was the ranger's house and new and white, 
And by the King built scarce a year agone, 
And carved about for this same lord's delight 
With woodland stories deftly wrought in stone ; 
There oft the King was wont to come alone. 
For much he loved this lord, who erst had been 
A landless squire, a servant of the Queen. 

Now long a lord and clad in rich attire. 
In his fair hall he sat before the wine, 
Watching the evening sun's yet burning fire 
Through the close branches of his pleasance shine, 
In that mood when man thinks himself divine, 
Remembering not whereto we all must come. 
Not thinking aught but of his happy home. 

From just outside loud mocking merriment 
He heard midst this ; and therewithal a squire 
Came hurrying up, his laughter scarcely spent, 
Who said, " My lord, a man in such attire 
As Adam's, ere he took the Devil's hire, 
Who saith that thou wilt know him for the King, 
Up from the gate John Porter needs must bring. 

" He to the King is nothing like in aught 
But that his beard he weareth in such guise 



204 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

As doth my lord : wilt thou that he be brought ? 
Perchance some treason 'neath his madness lies." 
*' Yea," saith the ranger, " that may well be wise. 
But haste, for this eve am I well at ease, 
Nor would be wearied with such folk as these." 

Then went the squire, and, coming back again, 
The porter and the naked King brought in. 
Who thinking i^ow that this should end his pain, 
Forgat his fury and the porter^s sin, 
And said, " Thou wonderest how I came to win 
This raiment, that kings long have ceased to wear, 
Since Noah's flood has altered all the air ? 

'' Well, thou shalt know, but first I pray thee, Hugh, 
Reach me that cloak that lieth on the board, 
For certes, though thy folk are leal and true, 
It seemeth that they deem a mighty lord 
Is made by crown, and silken robe, and sword ; 
Lo, such are borel folk ; but thou and I 
Fail not to know the signs of majesty. 

* ' Thou risest not ! thou lookest strange on me ! 
Ah, what is this ? Who reign eth in my stead ? 
How long hast thou been plotting secretly ? 
Then slay me now, for if I be not dead 
Armies will rise up when I nod my head. 
Slay me ! — or cast thy treachery away. 
And have anew my favor from this day. " 

'*• Why should I tell thee that thou ne'er wast king?" 
The ranger said, " thou knowest not what I say ; 
Poor man, I pray God help thee in this thing. 
And, ere thou diest, send thee some good day ; 
Nor hence unholpen shalt thou go away. 
Good fellows, this poor creature is but mad. 
Take him, and in a coat let him be clad ; 

* ' And give him meat and drink, and on this night 
Beneath some roof of ours let him abide. 
For some day God may set his folly right." 
Then spread the King his arms abroad and cried, 
*' Woe to thy food, thy house, and thee betide, 
Thou loathsome traitor ! Get ye from the hall, 
Lest smitten by God's hand this roof should fall ; 



THE PROUD KING. 205 

" Yea, if the world be but an idle dream, 
And God deals naught with it, yet shall ye see 
Red flame from out these carven windows stream. 
I, I, will burn this vile place utterly. 
And strewn with salt the poisonous earth shall be, 
That such a wretch of such a man has made, 
That so such Judases may grow afraid. " 

Thus raving, those who held him he shook off 
And rushed from out the hall, nigh mad indeed, 
And gained the gate, not heeding blow or scoff, 
Nor longer of his nakedness took heed. 
But ran, he knew not where, at headlong speed. 
Till, when at last his strength was fully spent, 
Worn out, he fell beneath a woody bent. 

But for the ranger, left alone in peace, 
He bade his folk bring in the minstrelsy ; 
And thinking of his life, and fair increase 
Of all his goods, a happy man was he. 
And towards his master felt right lovingly. 
And said, "This luckless madman will avail 
When next I see the King for one more tale," 



MEANWHILE the real King by the roadside lay, 
Panting, confused, scarce knowing if he dreamed, 
Until at last, when vanished was the day. 
Through the dark night far off a bright light gleamed ; 
Which growing quickly, down the road there streamed 
The glare of torches, held by men who ran 
Before the litter of a mighty man. 

These mixed with soldiers soon the road did fill. 
And on their harness could the King behold 
The badge of one erst wont to do his will, 
A counsellor, a gatherer-up of gold. 
Who underneath his rule had now grown old : 
Then wrath and bitterness so filled his heart. 
That from his wretched lair he needs must start ; 

And o'er the clatter shrilly did he cry, 
*' Well met, Duke Peter ! ever art thou wise ; 



2o6 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

Surely thou wilt not let a day go by 

Ere thou art good friends with mine enemies ; 

O fit to rule within a land of lies, 

Go on thy journey, make thyself more meet 

To sit in hell beneath the devil's feet ! " 

But as he ceased a soldier drew anear, 
And smote him flatling with his sheathed sword, 
And said, *' Speak louder, that my lord may hear, 
And give thee wages for thy ribald word ! 
Come forth, for I must show thee to my lord, 
For he may think thee more than mad indeed, 
Who of men's ways hast taken wondrous heed." 

Now was the litter stayed midmost the road. 
And round about, the torches in a ring 
Were gathered, and their flickering light now glowed 
In gold and gems and many a lordly thing, 
And showed that face well known unto the King, 
That, smiling yesterday, right humble words 
Had spoken midst the concourse of the lords. 

But now he said, *' Man, thou wert cursing me 
If these folk heard aright ; what wilt thou then, 
Deem'st thou that I have done some wrong to thee, 
Or hast thou scathe from any of my men ? 
In any case tell all thy tale again 
When on the judgment-seat thou see'st me sit, 
And I will give no careless ear to it. " 

** The night is dark, and in the summer wind 
The torches flicker ; canst thou see my face ? 
Bid them draw nigher yet, and call to mind 
Who gave thee all thy riches and thy place — 
— Well ; — if thou canst, deny me, with such grace 
As by the firelight Peter swore of old. 
When in that Maundy-week the night was cold — 

' ' — Alas ! canst thou not see I am the King ? " 
So spoke he, as their eyes met mid the blaze. 
And the King saw the dreadful foreshadowing. 
Within the elder's proud and stony gaze. 
Of what those lips, thin with the lapse of days. 
Should utter now ; nor better it befell ; — 
** Friend, a strange story thou art pleased to tell ; 



THE PROUD KING, 207 

** Thy luck it is thou tellest it to me, 
Who deem thee mad and let thee go thy way : 
The King is not a man to pity thee, 
Or on thy folly thy fool's tale to lay : 
Poor fool ! take this, and with the light of day 
Buy food and raiment of some laboring clown, 
And by my counsel keep thee from the town, 

* * For fear thy madness break out in some place 
Where folk thy body to the judge must hale. 
And then indeed wert thou in evil case, — 
Press on, sirs ! or the time will not avail." 
— There stood the King, with limbs that 'gan to fail, 
Speechless, and holding in his trembling hand 
A coin new stamped for people of the land ; 

Thereon, with sceptre, crown, and royal robe, 
The image of a king, himself, was wrought ; 
His jewelled feet upon a quartered globe, 
As though by him all men were vain and naught. 
One moment the red glare the silver caught. 
As the lord ceased, the next his hurrying folk 
The flaring circle round the litter broke. 

The next, their shadows barred a patch of light. 
Fast vanishing, all else around was black ; 
And the poor wretch, left lonely with the night, 
Muttered, ' ' I wish the day would ne'er come back, 
If all that once I had I now must lack : 
Ah God ! how long is it since I was king. 
Nor lacked enough to wish for anything ? " 

Then down the lonely road he wandered yet. 
Following the vanished lights, he scarce knew why. 
Till he began his sorrows to forget. 
And, steeped in drowsiness, at last drew nigh 
A grassy bank, where, worn with misery. 
He slept the dreamless sleep of weariness. 
That many a time such wretches' eyes will bless. 



2o8 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 



BUT at the dawn he woke, nor knew at first 
What ugly chain of grief had brought him there, 
Nor why he felt so wretched and accursed ; 
At last remembering, the fresh morning air, 
The rising sun, and all things fresh and fair, 
Yet caused some little hope in him to rise, 
That end might come to these new miseries. 

So looking round about, he saw that he 
To his own city gates was come anear ; 
Then he arose and going warily. 
And hiding now and then for very fear 
Of folk who bore their goods and country cheer 
Unto the city's market, at the last 
Unto a stone's-throw of the gate he passed. 

But when he drew unto the very gate, 
Into the throng of country folk he came 
Who for the opening of the door did wait. 
Of whom some mocked, and some cried at him shame, 
And some would know his country and his name ; 
But one into his wagon drew him up, 
And gave him milk from out a beechen cup, 

And asked him of his name and misery ; 
Then in his throat a swelling passion rose, 
Which yet he swallowed down, and, " Friend," said he, 
*' Last night I had the hap to meet the foes 
Of God and man, who robbed me, and with blows 
Stripped off my weed and left me on the way : 
Thomas the Pilgrim am I called to-day. 

** A merchant am I of another town. 
And rich enow to pay thee for thy deed. 
If at the King's door thou wilt set me down, 
For there a squire I know, who at my need 
Will give me food and drink and fitting weed. 
What is thy name ? in what place dost thou live ? 
That I some day great gifts to thee may give." 

'' Fair Sir," the carle said, " I am poor enow, 
Though certes food I lack not easily ; 
My name is Christopher a-Green ; I sow 
A little orchard set with bush and tree, 



THE PROUD KING. 209 

And ever there the kind land keepeth me, 

For I, now fifty, from a little boy 

Have dwelt thereon, and known both grief and joy. 

*' The house my grandsire built there has grown old, 
And certainly a bounteous gift it were 
If thou shouldst give me just enough of gold 
To build it new ; nor shouldst thou lack my prayer 
For such a gift." " Nay, friend, have thou no care," 
The King said : " this is but a little thing 
To me, who oft am richer than the King." 

Now as they talked the gate was opened wide. 
And toward the palace went they through the street. 
And Christopher walked ever by the side 
Of his rough wain, where midst the Mayflowers sweet 
Jovinian lay, that folk whom they might meet 
Might see him not to mock at his bare skin : 
So shortly to the King's door did they win. 

Then through the open gate Jovinian ran 
Of the first court, and no man stayed him there ; 
But as he reached the second gate, a man 
Of the King's household, seeing him all bare 
And bloody, cried out, " Whither dost thou fare ? 
Sure thou art seventy times more mad than mad, 
Or else some magic potion thou hast had, 

"Whereby thou fear'st not steel or anything." 
*'But," said the King, "good fellow, T know thee; 
And can it be thou knowest not thy King ? 
Nay, thou shalt have a good reward of me, 
That thou wouldst rather have than ten years' fee, 
If thou wilt clothe me in fair weed again, 
For now to see my council am I fain." 

"Out, ribald ! " quoth the fellow, "What say'st thou? 
Thou art my lord, whom God reward and bless? 
Truly before long shalt thou find out how 
John Hangman cureth ill folk's wilfulness ; 
Yea, from his scourge the blood has run for less 
Than that which now thou sayest : nay, what say I ? 
For lighter words have I seen tall men die. 

" Come now, the sergeants to this thing shall see !" 
So to the guardroom was Jovinian brought, 
14 



210 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Where his own soldiers mocked him bitterly, 
And all his desperate words they heeded naught ; 
Until at last there came to him this thought, 
That never from this misery should he win, 
But, spite of all his struggles, die therein. 

And terrible it seemed, that everything 
So utterly was changed since yesterday. 
That these who were the soldiers of the King, 
Ready to lie down in the common way 
Before him, nor durst rest if he bade play, 
Now stood and mocked him, knowing not the face 
At whose command each man there had his place. 

" Ah, God ! " said he, " is this another earth 
From that whereon I stood two days ago ? 
Or else in sleep have I had second birth ? 
Or among mocking shadows do I go, 
Unchanged myself of flesh and fell, although 
My fair weed I have lost and royal gear ? 
And meanw^hile all are changed that I meet here ; 

' ' And yet in heart and nowise outwardly. " 
Amid his wretched thoughts two sergeants came, 
Who said, " Hold, sirs ! because the King would see 
The man who thus so rashly brings him shame, 
By taking his high style and spotless name, 
That never has been questioned ere to-day. 
Come, fool ! needs is it thou must go ourw^ay." 

So at the sight of him all men turned round, 
As 'twixt these two across the courts he went, 
With downcast head and hands together bound ; 
While from the windows maid and varlet leant. 
And through the morning air fresh laughter sent ; 
Until unto the threshold they were come 
Of the great hall within that kingly home. 

Therewith right fast Jovinian's heart must beat, 
As now he thought, *' Lo, here shall end the strife ; 
For either shall I sit on mine own seat, 
Known unto all, soldier and lord and wife. 
Or else is this the ending of my life. 
And no man henceforth shall remember me, 
And a vain name in records shall I be. " 



THE PROUD KING, 

Therewith he raised his head up, and beheld 
One clad in gold set on his royal throne, 
Gold-crowned, whose hand the ivory sceptre held ; 
And underneath him sat the Queen alone, 
Ringed round with standing lords, of whom not one 
Did aught but utmost reverence unto him ; 
Then did Jovinian shake in every limb. 

Yet midst amaze and rage to him it seemed 
This man was nowise like him in the face ; 
But with a marvellous glory his head gleamed, 
As though an angel sat in that high place. 
Where erst he sat like all his royal race, — 
— But their eyes met, and with a stern, calm brow 
The shining one cried out, " And where art thou? 

** Where art thou, robber of my majesty ? " 
** Was I not King," he said, "but yesterday? 
And though to-day folk give my place to thee, 
I am Jovinian ; yes, though none gainsay, 
If on these very stones thou shouldst me slay, 
And though no friend be left for me to moan, 
I am Jovinian still, and King alone. " 

Then said that other, " O thou foolish man, 
King was I yesterday, and long before, 
Nor is my name aught but Jovinian, 
Whom in this house the Queen my mother bore, 
Unto my longing father, for right sore 
Was I desired before I saw the light ; 
Thou, fool, art first to speak against my right. 

*' And surely well thou meritest to die ; 
Yet ere that I bid lead thee unto death. 
Hearken to these my lords that stand anigh, 
And what this faithful Queen beside me saith, 
Then mayst thou many a year hence, draw thy breath, 
If these should stammer in their speech one whit : 
Behold this face, lords, look ye well on it ! 

" Thou, O fair Queen, say now whose face is this ! " 
Then cried they, " Hail, O Lord Jovinian ! 
Long mayst thou live'! " and the Queen knelt to kiss 
His gold-shod feet, and through her face there ran 
Sweet color, as she said, "Thou art the man 
By whose side I have lain for many a year, 
Thou art my lord Jovinian lief and dear.'' 



212 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Then said he, * ' O thou wretch, hear now and see ! 
What thing should hinder me to slay thee now ? 
And yet indeed, such mercy is in me, 
If thou wilt kneel down humbly and avow 
Thou art no king, but base-born, as I know 
Thou art indeed, in mine house shalt thou live, 
And as thy service is, so shalt thou thrive. " 

But the unhappy king laughed bitterly, 
The red blood rose to flush his visage wan 
Where erst the gray of death began to be ; 
"Thou liest," he said, " I am Jovinian, 
Come of great kings ; nor am I such a man 
As still to live when all delight is gone, 
As thou might' st do, who sittest on my throne." 

No answer made the other for a while, 
But sat and gazed upon him steadfastly. 
Until across his face there came a smile, 
Where scorn seemed mingled with some great pity. 
And then he said, " Nathless thou shalt not die, 
But live on as thou mayst, a lowly man 
Forgetting thou wast once Jovinian. " 

Then wildly round the hall Jovinian gazed. 
Turning about to many a well-known face, 
But none of all his folk seemed grieved or mazed, 
But stood unmoved, each in his wonted place ; 
There were the Lords, the Marshal with his mace, 
The Chamberlain, the Captain of the Guard, 
Gray -headed, with his wrinkled face and hard. 

That had peered down so many a lane of war ; 
There stood the grave ambassadors arow, 
Come from half conquered lands ; without the bar 
The foreign merchants gazed upon the show, 
Willing new things of that great land to know ; 
Nor was there any doubt in any man 
That the gold throne still held Jovinian. 

Yea, as the sergeants laid their hands on him, 
The mighty hound that crouched before the throne, 
Flew at him fain to tear him limb from limb, 
Though in the woods, the brown bear's dying groan. 
He and that beast had often heard alone. 
*' Ah ! " muttered he, " take thou thy wages too, 
Worship the risen sun as these men do." 



THE PROUD KING. . 213 

They thrust him out, and as he passed the door, 
The murmur of the stately court he heard 
Behind him, and soft footfalls on the floor, 
And, though by this somewhat his skin was seared, 
Hung back at the rough eager wind afeard ; 
But from the place they dragged him through the gate, 
Wherethrough he oft had rid in royal state. 

Then down the streets they led him, where of old, 
He, coming back from some well-finished war. 
Had seen the line of flashing steel and gold 
Wind upwards ^twixt the houses from the bar, 
While clashed the bells from wreathed spires afar ; 
Now moaning, as they hailed him on, he said, 
'' God and the world against one lonely head ! '* 



BUT soon, the bar being passed, they loosed their hold, 
And said * ' Thus saith by us our Lord the King, 
Dwell now in peace, but yet be not so bold 
To come again, or to thy lies to cling. 
Lest unto thee there fall a worser thing ; 
And for ourselves we bid thee ever pray 
For him who has been good to thee this day. " 

Therewith they turned away into the town. 
And still he wandered on and knew not where, 
Till, stumbhng at the last, he fell adown, 
And looking round beheld a brook right fair, 
That ran in pools and shallows here and there, 
And on the further side of it a wood. 
Nigh which a lowly clay-built hovel stood. 

Gazing thereat, it came into his mind 
A priest dwelt there, a hermit wise and old. 
Whom he had ridden oftentimes to find, 
In days when first the sceptre did he hold. 
And unto whom his mind he oft had told, 
And had good counsel from him, though indeed 
A scanty crop had spnmg from that good seed. 

Therefore he passed the brook with heavy cheer. 
And toward the little house went speedily. 
And at the door knocked, trembling with his fear, 
Because he thought, '* Will he remember me? 



214 ^^^ EARTHLY PARADISE. 

If not, within me must there surely be 
Some devil who turns everything to ill, 
And makes my wretched body do his will." 

So, while such doleful things as this he thought, 
There came unto the door the holy man. 
Who said, " Good friend, what tidings hast thou brought?'* 
*' Father," he said, " knowest thou Jovinian ? 
Know'st thou me not, made naked, poor, and wan ? 
Alas, O father, am I not the King, 
The rightful lord of thee and everything ? " 

" Nay, thou art mad to tell me such a tale ! " 
The hermit said ; " if thou seek'st soul's health here, 
Right little will such words as this avail ; 
It were a better deed to shrive thee clear, 
And take the pardon Christ has bought so dear, 
Than to an ancient man such mocks to say 
That would be fitter for a Christmas play/' 

So to his hut he got him back again. 
And fell the unhappy King upon his knees. 
And unto God at last he did complain. 
Saying, " Lord God, what bitter things are these? 
What hast thou done, that every man that sees 
This wretched body, of my death is fain ? 

Lord God, give me back myself again ! 

*' E'en if therewith I needs must die straightway. 
Indeed I know that since upon the earth 

1 first did go, I ever day by day 

Have grown the worse, who was of little worth 
E'en at the best time since my helpless birth. 
And yet it pleased thee once to make me king, 
Why hast thou made me now this wretched thing ? 

'/ Why am I hated so of every one ? 
Wilt thou not let me live my life again. 
Forgetting all the deeds that I have done. 
Forgetting my old name, and honors vain, 
That I may cast away this lonely pain ? 
Yet if thou wilt not, help me in this strife, 
That I may pass my little span of life, 

' ' Not made a monster by unhappiness. 
What shall I say ? thou mad'st me weak of will, 



THE PROUD KING. 215 

Thou wrapped'st me in ease and carelessness, 
And yet, as some folk say, thou lovest me still ; 
Look down, of folly I have had my fill. 
And am but now as first thou madest me. 
Weak, yielding clay to take impress of thee." 

So said he weeping, and but scarce had done, 
When yet again came forth that hermit old, 
And said, " Alas ! my master and my son, 
Is this a dream my wearied eyes behold ? 
What doleful wonder now shall I be told 
Of that ill world that I so long have left ? 
What thing thy glory from thee has bereft ? " 

A strange surprise of joy therewith there came 
To that worn heart ; he said, " For some great sin 
The Lord my God has brought me unto shame ; 
I am unknown of servants, wdfe, and kin. 
Unknown of all the lords that stand within 
My father's house ; nor didst thou know me more 
When e'en just now I stood before thy door. 

*'Now since thou know'st me, surely God is good, 
And will not slay me, and good hope I have 
Of help from Him that died upon the rood. 
And is a mighty lord to slay and save : 
So now again these bhnd men will I brave. 
If thou wilt give me of thy poorest weed, 
And some rough food, the which I sorely need ; 

" Then of my sins thou straight shall shrive me clean." 
Then weeping, said the holy man, " Dear lord, 
What heap of woes upon thine head has been ; 
Enter, O King, take this rough gown and cord, 
And scanty food, my hovel can afford ; 
And tell me everything thou hast to say ; 
And then the High God speed thee on thy way." 

So when in coarse serge raiment he was clad. 
He told him all his pride had made him think ; 
And showed him of his life both good and bad ; 
And then being houselled, did he eat and drink, 
While in the wise man's heart his words did sink. 
For, " God be praised ! " he thought, " I am no king, 
Who scarcelv shall do right in anything ! " 



2i6 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

Then he made ready for the King his ass, 
And bade again God speed him on the way, 
And down the road the King made haste to pass 
As it was growing toward the end of day, 
With sober joy for troubles passed away ; 
But trembhng still, as onward he did ride, 
Meeting few folk upon that even-tide. 



SO to the city gate being come at last. 
He noted there two ancient warders stand. 
Whereof one looked askance as he went past, 
And whispered low behind his held-up hand 
Unto his mate, "The King, who gave command 
That if disguised he passed this gate to-day, 
No reverence we should do him on the way. '' 

Thereat with joy, Jovinian smiled again. 
And so passed onward quickly down the street ; 
And wellnigh was he eased of all his pain 
When he beheld the folk that he might meet 
Gaze hard at him, as though they fain would greet 
His well-known face, but durst not, knowing well 
He would not any of his state should tell. 

-Withal unto the palace being come. 
He lighted down thereby and entered. 
And once again it seemed his royal home, 
For folk again before him bowed the head ; 
And to him came a Squire, who softly said, 
" The Queen awaits thee, O my lord the King, 
Within the little hall where minstrels sing, 

*' Since there thou badst her meet thee on this night." 
'^ Lead on then ! " said the King, and in his heart 
He said, "perfay all goeth more than right 
And I am King again '' ; but with a start 
He thought of him who played the kingly part 
That morn, yet said, "if God will have it so 
This man like all the rest my face will know." 

So in the little hall the Queen he found. 
Asleep, as one a spell binds suddenly ; 
For her fair broidery lay upon the ground, 



THE PROUD KING, 217 

And in her lap her open hand did lie, 
The silken -threaded needle close thereby ; 
And by her stood that image of the King 
In rich apparel, crown, and signet ring. 

But when the King stepped forth with angry eye 
And would have spoken, came a sudden light, 
And changed was that other utterly ; 
For he was clad in robe of shining white, 
Inwrought with flowers of unnamed colors bright, 
Girt with a marvellous girdle, and whose hem 
Fell to his naked feet and shone in them ; 

And from his shoulders did two wings arise. 
That with the swaying of his body, played 
This way and that ; of strange and lovely dyes 
Their feathers were, and wonderfully made ; 
And now he spoke, " O King, be not dismayed. 
Or think my coming here so strange to be, 
For oft ere this have I been close to thee. 

" And now thou knowest in how short a space 
The God that made the world can unmake thee, 
And though he alter in no whit thy face, 
Can make all folk forget thee utterly, 
That thou to-day a nameless wretch mayst be, 
Who yesterday woke up without a peer. 
The wide world's marvel and the people's fear. 

*' Behold, thou oughtest to thank God for this, 
That on the hither side of thy dark grave 
Thou well hast learned how great a God he is. 
Who from the heavens countless rebels drave, 
Yet turns himself such folk as thee to save ; 
For many a man thinks naught at all of it. 
Till in a darksome land he comes to sit, 

'* Lamenting everything : so do not thou ! 
For inasmuch as thou thought'st not to die 
This thing may happen to thee even now. 
Because the day unspeakable draws nigh. 
When bathed in unknown flame all things shall lie ; 
And if thou art upon God's side that day, 
Unslain, thine earthly part shall pass away. 

'* Or if thy body in the grave must rot, 



2i8 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Well mayst thou see how small a thing is this, 
Whose pain of yesterday now hurts thee not, 
Now thou hast come again to earthly bliss, 
Though bitter-sweet thou knowest well this is. 
And though no coming day can ever see 
Ending of happiness where thou mayst be. 

*' Now must I go, nor wilt thou see me more. 
Until the day, when, unto thee at least, 
This world is gone, and an unmeasured shore. 
Where all is wonderful and changed, thou seest ; 
Therefore, farewell ! at council and at feast 
Thy nobles shalt thou meet as thou hast done, 
Nor wilt thou more be strange to any one." 

So scarce had he done speaking, ere his wings 
Within the doorway of the hall did gleam. 
And then he vanished quite ; and all these things 
Unto Jovinian little more did seem 
Than some distinct and well-remembered dream, 
From which one wakes amidst a feverish night. 
Taking the moonshine for the morning light. 

Silent he stood, not moving for a while. 
Pondering o'er all these wondrous things, until 
The Queen arose from sleep, and with a smile. 
Said, " O fair lord, your great men by your will 
E'en as I speak the banquet- chamber fill, 
To greet thee amidst joy and revelling, 
Wilt thou not therefore meet them as a king ? " 

So from that place of marvels having gone, 
Half mazed, he soon was clad in rich array, 
And sat thereafter on his kingly throne, 
A s though no other had sat there that day ; 
Nor did a soul of all his household say 
A word about the man, who on that morn 
Had stood there naked, helpless, and forlorn. 

But ever day by day the thought of it 
Within Jovinian's heart the clearer grew, 
As o'er his head the ceaseless time did flit. 
And everything still towards its ending drew. 
New things becoming old, and old things new ; 
Till, when a moment of eternity 
Had passed, gray-headed did Jovinian lie 



THE PROUD KING. 219 

One sweet May morning, wakeful in his bed ; 
And thought, ' ' That day is thirty years agone 
Since useless folly came into my head. 
Whereby, before the steps of mine own throne, 
I stood in heljoless agony alone, 
And of the wondrous things that there befell, 
When I am gone there will be none to tell : 

" No man is now alive who thinks that he, 
Who bade thrust out the madman on that tide, 
Was other than the King they used to see : 
Long years have passed now, since the hermit died. 
So must I tell the tale, ere by his side 
I lie, lest it be unrecorded quite. 
Like a forgotten dream in morning light. 

" Yea, lest I die ere night come, this same day 
Unto some scribe will I tell everything. 
That it may lie when I am gone away. 
Stored up within the archives of the King ; 
And may God grant the words thereof may ring 
Like His own voice in the next comer^s ears ! 
Whereby his folk shall shed the fewer tears." 

So it was done, and at the King's command 
A clerk that day did note it every whit, 
And after by a man of skilful hand 
In golden letters fairly was it writ ; 
Yet little heed the new King took of it 
That filled the throne when King Jovinian died, 
So much did all things feed his swelling pride. 

But whether God chastised him in his turn. 
And he grew wise thereafter, I know not ; 
I think by eld alone he came to learn 
How lowly on some day must be his lot. 
But ye, O kings, think all that ye have got 
To be but gawds cast out upon some heap. 
And stolen the while the Master was asleep. 



220 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 



THE story done, for want of happier things, 
Some men must even fall to talk of kings ; 
Some trouble of a far-off Grecian isle, 
Some hard Sicilian craftsman's cruel guile 
Whereby he raised himself to be as God, 
Till good men slew him ; the fell Persian rod 
As blighting as the deadly pestilence, 
The brazen net of armed men from whence 
Was no escape ; The fir-built Norway hall 
Filled with the bonders waiting for the fall 
Of the great roof whereto the torch is set ; 
The laughing mouth, beneath the eyes still wet 
With more than sea-spray, as the well-loved land 
The freeman still looks back on, while his hand 
Clutches the tiller, and the eastern breeze 
Grows fresh and fresher : many things like these 
They talked about, till they seemed young again, 
Remembering what a glory and a gain 
Their fathers deemed the death of kings to be. 

And yet amidst it, some smiled doubtfully 
For thinking how few men escape the yoke, 
From this or that man's hand, and how most folk 
Must needs be kings and slaves the while they live, 
And take from this man, and to that man give 
Things hard enow. Yet as they mused, again 
The minstrels raised some high heroic strain 
That led men on to battle in old times ; 
And midst the glory of its mingling rhymes, 
Their hard hearts softened, and strange thoughts arose 
Of some new end to all life's cruel foes. 



M 



MAY. 



OLOVE, this morn when the sweet nightingale 
Had so long finished all he had to say, 
That thou hadst slept, and sleep had told his tale ; 
And midst a peaceful dream had stolen away 
In fragrant dawning of the first of May, 
Didst thou see aught ? didst thou hear voices sing, 
Ere to the risen sun the bells 'gan ring ? 

For then methought the Lord of Love went by 
To take possession of his flowery throne, 

Ringed round with maids, and youths, and minstrelsy; \ 

A little while I sighed to find him gone, 
A little while the dawning was alone. 
And the light gathered ; then I held my breath, 
And shuddered at the sight of Eld and Death. 

Alas ! Love passed me in the twilight dun. 
His music hushed the wakening ousel's song ; 
But on these twain shone out the golden sun. 
And o'er their heads the brown birds' tune was strong, 
As shivering, twixt the trees they stole along ; 
None noted aught their noiseless passing by, 
The world had quite forgotten it must die. -l^l 



NOW must these men be glad a little while 
That they had lived to see May once more smile 
Upon the earth ; wherefore, as men who know 
How fast the bad days and the good days go. 
They gathered at the feast : the fair abode 
Wherein they sat, overlooked, across the road 
Unhedged green meads, which willowy streams passed 

through, 
And on that morn, before the fresh May dew 
Had dried upon the sunniest spot of grass. 
From bush to bush did youths and maidens pass 



222 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

In raiment meet for May apparelled, 
Gathering the milk-white blossoms and the red ; 
And now, with noon long past, and that bright day- 
Growing aweary, on the sunny way 
They wandered, crowned with flowers, and loitering, 
And weary, yet were fresh enough to sing 
The carols of the morn, and pensive, still 
Had cast away their doubt of death and ill, 
And flushed with love, no more grew red with shame. 

So to the elders as they sat, there came. 
With scent of flowers, the murmur of that folk 
Wherethrough from time to time a song outbroke, 
Till scarce they thought about the story due ; 
Yet, when anigh to sunsetting it grew, 
A book upon the board an elder laid. 
And turning from the open window said, 
" Too fair a tale the lovely time doth ask. 
For this of mine to be an easy task. 
Yet in what words soever this is writ, 
As for the matter, I dare say of it 
That it is lovely as the lovely May ; 
Pass then the manner, since the learned say 
No written record was there of the tale, 
Ere we from our fair land of Greece set sail ; 
How this may be I know not, this I know - 
That such-like tales the wind would seem to blow 
From place to place, e'en as the feathery seed 
Is borne across the sea to help the need 
Of barren isles ; so, sirs, from seed thus sovm. 
This flower, a gift from other lands has grown. 



THE STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE. 



ARGUMENT. 

Psyche, a king's daughter, by her exceeding beauty caused the people to 
forget Venus ; therefore the goddess would fain have destroyed her : 
nevertheless she became the bride of Love, yet in an unhappy moment 
lost him by her own fault, and wandering through the world suffered 
many evils at the hands of Venus, for whom she must accomplish fear- 
ful tasks. But the gods and all nature helped her, and in process of 
time she was reunited to Love, forgiven by Venus, and made immortal 
by the Father of gods and men. 

IN the Greek land of old there was a King 
Happy in battle, rich in everything ; 
Most rich in this, that he a daughter had 
Whose beauty made the longing city glad. 
She was so fair, that strangers from the sea 
Just landed, m the temples thought that she 
"Was Venus visible to mortal eyes, 
New come from Cyprus for a world's surprise. 
She was so beautiful that had she stood 
On windy Ida by the oaken wood, 
And bared her limbs to that bold shepherd's gaze, 
Troy might have stood till now with happy days ; ' 

And those three fairest, all have gone away 
And left her with the apple on that day. 

And Psyche is her name in stories old, 
As ever by our fathers we were told. 

All this beheld Queen Venus from her throne, 
And felt that she no longer was alone 
In beauty, but, if only for a while, 
This maiden matched her god-enticing smile ; 
Therefore, she wrought in such a wise, that she, 
If honored as a goddess, certainly 
Was dreaded as a goddess none the less, 
And midst her wealth, dwelt long in loneliness. 

Two sisters had she, and men deemed them fair, 
But as King's daughters might be anywhere, 



224 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

And these to men of name and great estate 
Were wedded, while at home must Psyche wait. 
The sons of kings before her silver feet 
Still bowed, and sighed for her ; in measures sweet 
The minstrels to the people sung her praise, 
Yet must she live a virgin all her days. 

So to Apollo's fane her father sent, 
Seeking to know the dreadful Gods' intent, 
And therewith sent he goodly gifts of price 
A silken veil, wrought with a paradise, 
Three golden bowls, set round with many a gem, 
Three silver robes, with gold in every hem, 
And a fair ivory image of the god 
That underfoot a golden serpent trod , 
And when three lords with these were gone away. 
Nor could return until the fortieth day, 
111 was the King at ease, and neither took 
Joy in the chase, or in the pictured book 
The skilled Athenian limner had just wrought, 
Nor in the golden cloths from India brought. 

At last the day came for those lords' return, 
And then twixt hope and fear the King did burn, 
As on his throne with great pomp he was set, 
And by him Psyche, knowing not as yet 
Why they had gone : thus waiting, at noontide 
They in the palace heard a voice outside, 
And soon the messengers came hurrying, 
And with pale faces knelt before the King, 
And rent their clothes, and each man on his head 
Cast dust, the while a trembling courtier read 
This scroll, wherein the fearful answer lay, 
Whereat from every face joy passed away. 



The Oracle. 

O FATHER of a most unhappy maid, 
O King, whom all the world henceforth shall know 
As wretched among wretches, be afraid 
To ask the gods thy misery to show. 
But if thou needs must hear it, to thy woe 
Take back thy gifts to feast thine eyes upon, 
When thine own flesh and blood some beast hath won. 



STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE. 225 

'' For hear thy doom, a rugged rock there is 
Set back a league from thine own palace fair, 
There leave the maid, that she may wait the kiss 
Of the fell monster that doth harbor there : 
This is the mate for whom her yellow hair 
And tender limbs have been so fashioned, 
This is the pillow for her lovely head. 

' ' O what an evil from thy loins shall spring, 
For all the world this monster overturns. 
He is the bane of every mortal thing. 
And this world ruined, still for more he yearns ; 
A fire there goeth from his mouth that burns 
Worse than the flame of Phlegethon the red — 
To such a monster shall thy maid be wed. 

" And if thou sparest now to do this thing, 
I will destroy thee and thy land also, 
And of dead corpses shalt thou be the King, 
And stumbling through the dark land shalt thou go, 
Howling for second death to end thy woe ; 
Live therefore as thou mayst and do my will, 
And be a King that men may envy still." 

What man w^as there, whose face changed not for grief 
At hearing this ? Psyche, shrunk like the leaf 
The autumn frost first touches on the tree. 
Stared round about with eyes that could not see, 
And muttered sounds from lips that said no word, 
And still within her ears the sentence heard 
When all was said and silence fell on all 
'Twixt marble columns and adorned wall. 

Then spoke the King, bowed down with misery. 
' ' What help is there ! O daughter, let us die, 
Or else together fleeing from this land. 
From town to town go wandering hand in hand ; 
Thou and I, daughter, till all men forget 
That ever on a throne I have been set. 
And then, when houseless and disconsolate, 
We ask an alms before some city- gate, 
The gods perchance a little gift may give. 
And suffer thee and me like beasts to live. " 

Then answered Psyche, through her bitter tears, 
' ' Alas ! my father, I have known these years 
That with some woe the gods have dowered me, 
And weighed 'gainst riches infelicity \ 
15 



226 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Ill is it then against the gods to strive ; 
Live on, O father, those that are alive 
May still be happy ; would it profit me 
To live awhile, and ere I died to see 
Thee perish, and all folk who love me well, 
And then at last be dragged myself to hell 
Cursed of all men ? nay, since all must die, 
And I have dreamed not of eternity, 
Why weepest thou that I must die to-day ? 
Why weepest thou ? cast thought of shame away, 
The dead are not ashamed, they feel no pain ; 
I have heard folk who spoke of death as gain — 
And yet — ah God, if I had been some maid, 
Toihng all day, and in the night-time laid 
Asleep on rushes — had I only died 
Before this sweet life I had fully tried. 
Upon that day when for my birth men sung. 
And o'er the feasting folk the sweet bells rung ! " 

And therewith she arose and gat away, 
And in her chamber mourning long she lay, 
Thinking of all the days that might have been, 
And how that she was born to be a queen. 
The prize of some great conqueror of renown. 
The joy of many a country and fair town. 
The high desire of every prince and lord, 
One who could fright with careless smile or word 
The hearts of heroes fearless in the war, 
The glory of the world, the leading star 
Unto all honor and all earthly fame — 
— Round goes the wheel, and death and deadly shame 
Shall be her lot, while yet of her men sing 
Unwitting that the gods have done this thing. 
Long time she lay there, while the sunbeams moved 
Over her body through the flowers she loved ; 
And in the eaves the sparrows chirped outside. 
Until for weariness she grew dry-eyed. 
And into an unhappy sleep she fell. 

But of the luckless King now must we tell, 
Who sat devising means to 'scape that shame. 
Until the frightened people thronging came 
About the palace, and drove back the guards. 
Making their way past all the gates and wards ; 
And, putting chamberlains and marshals by, 
Surged round the very throne tumultuously. 



STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE. 227 j. 

Then knew the wretched King all folk had heard i!|l 

The miserable sentence, and the word ii| 

The gods had spoken ; and from out his seat liil 

He rose, and spoke in humble words, unmeet I ' 

For a great king, and prayed them give him grace, 
While 'twixt his words the tears ran down his face 
On to his raiment stiff with golden thread. 

But little heeded they the words he said, 
For very fear had made them pitiless ; 
Nor cared they for the maid and her distress, 
But clashed their spears together and ^gan cry : 
'* For one man's daughter shall the people die, 
And this fair land become an empty name. 
Because thou art afraid to meet the shame 
Wherewith the gods reward thy hidden sin ? 
Nay, by their glory do us right herein ! " 

'* Ye are in haste to have a poor maid slain," 
The King said ; " but my will herein is vain, 
For ye are many, I one aged man : 
Let one man speak, if for his shame he can. " 

Then stepped a sturdy dyer forth, who said, — 
* ' Fear of the gods brings no shame, by my head. 
Listen ; thy daughter we would have thee leave 
Upon the fated mountain this same eve ; 
And thither must she go right well arrayed 
In marriage raiment, loose hair as a maid. 
And saffron veil, and with her shall there go 
Fair maidens bearing torches, two and two ; 
And minstrels, in such raiment as is meet 
The god-ordained fearful spouse to greet. 
So shalt thou save our wives and little ones. 
And something better than a heap of stones. 
Dwelt in by noisome things, this town shall be, 
And thou thyself shalt keep thy sovereignty ; 
But if thou wilt not do the thing I say, 
Then shalt thou live in bonds from this same day, 
And we will bear thy maid unto the hill. 
And from the dread gods save the city still." 

Then loud they shouted at the words he said, 
And round the head of the unhappy maid, 
Dreaming uneasily of long-past joys, 
Floated the echo of that dreadful noise. 
And changed her dreams to dreams of misery. 
But when the King knew that the thing must be, 
And that no help there was in this distress, 
He bade them have all thinp^s in readiness 



228 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

To take the maiden out at sunsetting, 

And wed lier to the unknown dreadful thing. 

So through the palace passed with heavy cheer 

Her women gathering the sad wedding-gear ; 

Who lingering long, yet at the last must go, 

To waken Psyche to her bitter woe. 

So coming to her bower, they found her there, 

From head to foot rolled in her yellow hair. 

As in the saffron veil she should be soon 

Betwixt the setting sun and rising moon ; 

But when above her a pale maiden bent 

And touched her, from her heart a sigh she sent, 

And waking, on their woful faces stared, 

Sitting upright, with one white shoulder bared 

By writhing on the bed in wretchedness. 

Then suddenly remembering her distress. 

She bowed her head and 'gan to weep and wail, 

But let them wrap her in the bridal veil. 

And bind the sandals to her silver feet, 

And set the rose-wreath on her tresses sweet ; 

But spoke no word, yea, rather, wearily 

Turned from the yearning face and pitying eye 

Of any maid who seemed about to speak. 

Now through the garden trees the sun 'gan break, 
And that inevitable time drew near ; 

Then through the courts, grown cruel, strange, and drear. 
Since the bright morn, they led her to the gate, 
Where she beheld a golden litter wait. 
Whereby the King stood, aged and bent to earth, 
The flute-players with faces void of mirth, 
The downcast bearers of the ivoiy w^ands, 
The maiden torch-bearers' unhappy bands. 

So then was Psyche taken to the hill, 
And through the town the streets were void and still'; 
For in their houses all the people stayed, 
Of that most mournful music sore afraid. 
But on the way a marvel did they see. 
For, passing by, where wrought of ivory, 
There stood the goddess of the flowery isle. 
All folk could see the carven image smile. 

But when anigh the hill's bare top they came, 
Where Psyche must be left to meet her shame. 
They set the litter down, and drew aside 
The golden curtains from the wretched bride. 
Who at their bidding rose and with them went 



S7VRY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE. 229 

Afoot amidst her maids with head down-bent, 

Until they came unto the drear rock's brow ; 

And there she stood apart, not weeping now. 

But pale as privet blossom is in June. 

There as the quivering flutes left off their tune, 

In trembling arms the weeping, haggard King 

Caught Psyche, who, like some half lifeless thing,'- • 

Took all his kisses, and no word could say. 

Until at last perforce he turned away ; 

Because the longest agony has end. 

And homeward through the twilight did they wend. 

But Psyche, now faint and bewildered, 
Remembered little of her pain and dread ; 
Her doom drawn nigh took all her fear away, 
And left her faint and weary ; as they say 
It haps to one who ^neath a lion lies, 
Who stunned and helpless feels not ere he dies 
The horror of the yellow fell, the red 
Hot mouth, and white teeth gleaming o'er his head ; 
So Psyche felt, as sinking on the ground 
She cast one weary vacant look around. 
And at the ending of that wretched day 
Swooning beneath the risen moon she lay. 



NOW backward must our stoiy go awhile I 

And unto Cyprus the fair flowery isle, I 

Where hid away from every worshipper . j 

Was Venus sitting, and her son by her h 

Standing to mark what words she had to say, ii' 

While in his dreadful wings the wind did play : -I 

Frowning she spoke, in plucking from her thigh ! 

The fragrant flowers that clasped it lovingly. I 

*' In such a town, O son, a maid there is ' 

Whom any amorous man this day would kiss ' 

As gladly as a goddess like to me. 
And though I know an end to this must be. 
When white and red and gold are waxen gray 
Down on the earth, while unto me one day 
Is as another ; yet behold, my son. 
And go through all my temples one by one 
And look what incense rises unto me ; . 
Hearken the talk of sailors from the sea 
Just landed, ever will it be the same, 



230 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

* Hast thou then seen her ? ' -r- Yea, unto my shame 

Within the temple that is called mine, 

As through the veil I watched the altar shine, 

This happed ; a man with outstretched hand there stood, 

Glittering in arms, of smiling joyous mood, 

With crisp, black hair, and such a face one sees 

But seldom now, and limbs like Hercules ; 

But as he stood there in my holy place. 

Across mine image came a maiden's face, 

And when he saw her, straight the warrior said 

Turning about unto an earthly maid, 

' O, lady Venus, thou art kind to me 

After so much of wandering on the sea 

To show thy very body to me here ; ' 

But when this impious saying I did hear, 

I sent them a great portent, for straightway 

I quenched the fire, and no priest on that day 

Could light it any more for all his prayer. 

" So must she fall, so must her golden hair 
Flash no more through the city, or her feet 
Be seen like lilies moving down the street ; 
No more must men watch her soft raiment cling 
About her limbs, no more must minstrels sing 
The praises of her arms and hidden breast. 
And thou it is, my son, must give me rest 
From all this w^orship wearisomely paid 
Unto a mortal who should be afraid 
To match the gods in beauty ; take thy bow 
And dreadful arrows, and about her sow 
The seeds of folly, and with such an one 
I pray thee cause her mingle, fair my son, 
That not the poorest peasant girl in Greece 
Would look on for the gift of Jason's fleece. 
Do this, and see thy mother glad again, 
And free from insult, in her temples reign 
Over the hearts of lovers in the spring." 

*' Mother," he said, ** thou askest no great thing, 
Some wretch too bad for death I soon shall find, 
Who round her perfect neck his arms shall wind. 
She shall be driven from the palace gate 
Where once her crowd of worshippers would wait 
From earliest morning till the dew was diy 
On chance of seeing her gold gown glancing by ; 
There through the storm of curses shall she go 
In evil raiment midst the winter snow, 



STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE. 231 

Or in the summer in rough. sheepskins clad. 
And thus, O mother, shall I make thee glad 
Remembering all the honor thou hast brought 
Unto mine altars ; since as thine own thought 
My thought is grown, my mind as thy dear mind. " 

Then straight he rose from earth and down the wind 
Went glittering 'twixt the blue sky and the sea, 
And so unto the place came presently 
Where Psyche dwelt, and through the gardens fair 
Passed seeking her, and, as he wandered there, 
Had still no thought but to do all her will, 
Nor cared to think if it were good or ill : 
So beautiful and pitiless he went. 
And toward him still the blossomed fruit-trees leant, 
And after him the wind crept murmuring, 
And on the boughs the birds forgot to sing. 

Withal at last amidst a fair green close, 
Hedged round about with woodbine and red rose, 
Within the flicker of a white-thorn shade 
In gentle sleep he found the maiden laid ; 
One hand that held a book had fallen away 
Across her body, and the other lay 
Upon a marble fountain's plashing rim. 
Among whose broken waves the fish showed dim, 
But yet its wide-flung spray now woke her not, 
Because the summer day at noon was hot, 
And all sweet sounds and scents were lulling her. 

So soon the rustle of his wings 'gan stir 
Her looser folds of raiment, and the hair 
Spread wide upon the grass and daisies fair, 
As Love cast down his eyes with a half smile 
Godlike and cruel ; that faded in a while. 
And long he stood above her hidden eyes 
With red lips parted in a god's surprise. |i 

Then very Love knelt down beside the maid ^ 

And on her breast a hand unfelt he laid, 
And drew the gown from off her little feet, • " 

And set his fair cheek to her shoulder sweet, 
And kissed her lips that knew of no love yet. 
And wondered if his heart would e'er forget 
The perfect arm that o'er her body lay. 

But now by chance a damsel came that way, 
One of her ladies, and saw not the god, 



i' 



232 



THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 



Yet on his shafts cast down had wellnigh trod 
In wakening Psyche, who rose up in haste 
And girded up her gown about her waist, 
And with that maid went drowsily away. 

From place to place Love followed her that day 
And ever fairer to his eyes she grew. 
So that at last when from her bower he flew 
And underneath his feet the moonlit sea 
Went shepherding his waves disorderly. 
He swore that of all gods and men, no one 
Should hold her in his arms but he alone ; 
That she should dwell with him in glorious wise 
Like to a goddess in some paradise ; 
Yea, he would get from Father Jove this grace 
That she should never die, but her sweet face 
And wonderful fair body should endure 
Till the foundations of the mountains sure 
Were molten in the sea ; so utterly 
Did he forget his mother's cruelty. 

And now that he might come to this fair end, 
He found Apollo, and besought him lend 
His throne of divination for a while. 
Whereby he did the priestess so beguile, 
She gave the cruel answer ye have heard 
Unto those lords, who wrote it word by word. 
And back unto the King its threatenings bore. 
Whereof there came that grief and mourning sore, 
Of which ye wot ; thereby is Psyche laid 
Upon the mountain-top ; thereby, afraid 
Of some ill yet, within the city fair 
Cower down the people that have sent her there. 

Withal did Love call unto him the Wind 
Called Zephyrus, who most was to his mind, 
And said, "O rainy wooer of the spring, 
I pray thee, do for me an easy thing ; 
To such a hilltop go, O gentle wind, 
And there a sleeping maiden shalt thou find ; 
Her perfect body in thy arms with care 
Take up, and unto the green valley bear 
That lies before my noble house of gold ; 
There leave her lying on the daisies cold. " 

Then, smiling, toward the place the fair Wind went, 
And 'neath his wing the sleeping lilies bent, 



I 



STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE. 233 

And flying 'twixt the green earth and the sea 
Made the huge anchored ships dance merrily, 
And swung round from the east the gilded vanes 
On many a palace, and from unhorsed wains 
Twitched off the wheat-straw in his hurried flight ; 
But ere much time had passed he came in sight 
Of Psyche laid in swoon upon the hill, 
And, smiling, set himself to do Love's will ; 
For in his arms he took her up with care, 
Wondering to see a mortal made so fair. 
And came into the vale in little space, 
And set her down in the most flowery place ; 
And then unto the plains of Thessaly 
Went rufiling up the edges of the sea. 

Now underneath the world the moon was gone, 
But brighter shone the stars so left alone, 
Until a faint green light began to show 
Far in the east, whereby did all men know, 
Who lay awake either with joy or pain. 
That day was coming on their heads again ; 
Then, widening, soon it spread to gray twilight, 
And in a while with gold the east was bright ; 
The birds burst out a singing one by one, 
And o'er the hill-top rose the mighty sun. 

Therewith did Psyche open wide her eyes, 
And rising on her arm, with great surprise 
Gazed on the flowers wherein so deep she lay, 
And wondered why upon that dawn of day 
Out in the fields she had lift up her head 
Rather than in her balmy gold -hung bed. 
Then, suddenly remembering all her woes. 
She sprang upon her feet, and yet arose 
Within her heart a mingled hope and dread 
Of some new thing : and now she raised her head, 
And gazing round about her timidly, 
A lovely grassy valley could she see, | 

That steep gray cliffs upon three sides did bound, | 

And under these, a river sweeping round, % 

With gleaming curves the valley did embrace, | 

And seemed to make an island of that place ; t 

And all about were dotted leafy trees, | 

The elm for shade, the linden for the bees, I 

The noble oak, long ready for the steel | 

That in that place it had no fear to feel ; '' 

The pomegranate, the apple, and the pear, J 



234 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

That fruit and flowers at once made shift to bear, 
Nor yet decayed therefore, and in them hung 
Bright birds that elsewhere sing not, but here sung 
As sweetly as the small brown nightingales 
Within the wooded, deep Laconian vales. 

But right across the vale, from side to side, 
A high white wall all further view did hide, 
But that above it, vane and pinnacle 
Rose up, of some great house beyond to tell, 
And still betwixt these, mountains far away 
Against the sky rose shadowy, cold, and gray. 

She, standing in the yellow morning sun, 
Could scarcely think her happy life was done, 
Or that the place was made for misery ; 
Yea, some lone heaven it rather seemed to be, 
Which for the coming band of gods did wait ; 
Hope touched her heart ; no longer desolate, 
Deserted of all creatures did she feel. 
And o'er her face sweet color 'gan to steal. 
That deepened to a flush, as wandering thought 
Desires before unknown unto her brought, 
So mighty was the god, though far away. 

But trembling midst her hope, she took her way 
Unto a little door midmost the wall. 
And still on odorous flowers her feet did fall, 
And round about her did the strange birds sing. 
Praising her beauty in their <:arolling. 
Thus coming to the door, when now her hand 
First touched the lock, in doubt she needs must stand, 
And to herself she said, '* Lo, now the trap ! 
And yet, alas ! whatever now may hap. 
How can I 'scape the ill which waiteth me ? 
Let me die now ! " and hercAvith, tremblingly, 
She raised the latch, and her sweet sinless eyes 
Beheld a garden like a Paradise, 
Void of mankind, fairer than words can say. 
Wherein did joyous harmless creatures play 
After their kind, and all amidst the trees 
Were strange-wrought founts and wondrous images ; 
And glimmering 'twixt the boughs could she behold 
A house made beautiful with beaten gold. 
Whose open doors in the bright sun did gleam ; 
Lonely, but not deserted did it seem. 

Long time she stood debating what to do. 
But at the last she passed the wicket through, 



STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE, 235 

Which, shuttyig clamorously behind her, sent 

A pang of fear throughout her as she went ; 

But when through all that green place she had passed, 

And by the palace porch she stood at last, 

And saw how wonderfully the wall was wrought, 

With curious stones from far-off countries brought. 

And many an image and fair history 

Of what the world has been, and yet shall be, 

And all set round with golden craftsmanship, 

Well- wrought as some renowned cup's royal lip. 

She had a thought again to turn aside : 

And yet again, not knowing where to bide, 

She entered softly, and with trembling hands 

Holding her gown ; the wonder of all lands 

Met there the wonders of the land and sea. 

Now went she through the chambers tremblingly, 
And oft in going would she pause and stand. 
And drop the gathered raiment from her hand, 
Stilling the beating of her heart for fear 
As voices whispering low she seemed to hear. 
But then again the wind it seemed to be 
Moving the golden hangings doubtfully, 
Or some bewildered swallow passing close 
Unto the pane,' or some wind-beaten rose. 

Soon seeing that no evil thing came near, 
A little she began to lose her fear, 
And gaze upon the wonders of the place, 
And in the silver mirrors saw her face 
Grown strange to her amidst that loneliness, 
And stooped to feel the web her feet did press, 
Wrought by the brown slim-fingered Indian's toil 
Amidst the years of war and vain turmoil ; 
Or she the figures of the hangings felt. 
Or daintily the unknown blossoms smelt, 
X)r stood and pondered what new thing might mean 
The images of knight and king and queen 
Wherewith the walls were pictured here and there, 
Or touched rich vessels with her fingers fair. 
And o'er her delicate smooth cheek would pass 
The fixed bubbles of strange works of glass : 
^o wandered she amidst these marvels new 
Until anigh the noontide now it grew. 

At last she came unto a chamber cool 
Paved cunningly in manner of a pool, 
Where red fish seemed to swim through floating weed 



236 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

And at the first she thought it so indeed, ^ 
And took the sandals quickly from her feet, 
But when the glassy floor these did but meet 
The shadow of a long-forgotten smile 
Her anxious face a moment did beguile ; 
And crossing o^er, she found a table spread 
With dainty food, as delicate white bread 
And fruits piled up and covered savory meat, 
As though a king were commg there to eat, 
For the worst vessel was of beaten gold. 

Now when these dainties Psyche did behold 
She fain had eaten, but did nowise dare. 
Thinking she saw a god's feast lying there. 
But as she turned to go the way she came 
She heard a low soft voice call out her name, 
Then she stood still, and trembling gazed around. 
And seeing no man, nigh sank upon the ground, 
Then through the empty air she heard the voice. 

" O lovely one, fear not ! rather rejoice 
That thou art come unto thy sovereignty : 
Sit now and eat, this feast is but for thee, 
Yea, do whatso thou wilt with all things here. 
And in thine own house cast away thy fear. 
For all is thine, and little things are these 
So loved a heart as thine awhile to please. 

*' Be patient ! thou art loved by such a one 
As will not leave thee mourning here alone, 
But rather cometh on this very night ; 
And though he needs must hide him from thy sight 
Yet all his words of love thou well mayst hear. 
And pour thy woes into no careless ear. 

" Bethink thee then, with what solemnity 
Thy folk, thy father, did deliver thee 
To him who loves thee thus, and void of dread 
Remember, sweet, thou art a bride new-wed." 

Now hearing this, did Psyche, trembling sore 
And yet with lighter heart than heretofore, 
Sit down and eat, till she grew scarce afeard ; 
And nothing but the summer noise she heard 
Within the garden, then, her meal being done, 
Within the window-seat she watched the sun 
Changing the garden shadows, till she grew 
Fearless and happy, since she deemed she knew 
The worst that could befall, while still the best 



STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE, 237 

Shone a fair star far off: and, 'mid the rest 
This brought her after all her grief and fear, 
She said, " How sweet it would be, could I hear 
Soft music mate the drowsy afternoon. 
And drown awhile the bees' sad murmuring tune 
Within these flowering limes.'* E'en as she spoke, 
A sweet-voiced choir of unknown, unseen folk, 
Singing to words that match the sense of these, 
Hushed the faint music of the linden trees. 



Song. 

O PENSIVE, tender maid, downcast and shy, 
Who turnest pale e'en at the name of love, 
And with flushed face must pass the elm-tree by 
Ashamed to hear the passionate gray dove 
Moan to his mate, thee too the god shall move, 
Thee too the maidens shall ungird one day, 
And with thy girdle put thy shame away. 

What then, and shall white winter ne'er be done 
Because the glittering frosty morn is fair ? 
Because against the early-setting sun 
Bright show the gilded boughs though waste and bare ? 
Because the robin singeth free from care? 
Ah ! these are memories of a better day 
When on earth's face the lips of summer lay. 

Come then, beloved one, for such as thee 
Love loveth, and their hearts he knoweth well. 
Who hoard their moments of felicity. 
As misers hoard the medals that they tell. 
Lest on the earth but paupers they should dwell : 
" We hide our love to bless another day ; 
The world is hard, youth passes quick," they say. 

Ah, little ones, but if ye could forget 
Amidst your outpoured love that you must die, 
Then ye, my servants, were death's conquerors yet, 
And love to you should be eternity 
How quick soever might the days go by : 
Yes, ye are made immortal on the day 
Ye cease the dusty grains of time to weigh. 



233 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Thou hearkenest, love ? O, make no semblance then, 
Thou art beloved, but, as thy wont is, 
Turn thy gray eyes away from eyes of men, 
With hands down-dropped, that tremble with thy bHss, 
With hidden eyes, take thy first lover's kiss ; 
Call this eternity which is to-day. 
Nor dream that this our love can pass away. 

They ceased, and Psyche pondering o'er their song, 
Not fearing now that aught would do her wrong. 
About the chambers wandered at her will, 
And on the many marvels gazed her fill,^ 
Where'er she passed still noting everything, 
Then in the gardens heard the new birds sing, 
And watched the red fish in the fountains play, 
And at the very faintest time of day 
Upon the grass lay sleeping for a while 
Midst heaven-sent dreams of bliss that made her smile ; 
And, when she woke, the shades were lengthening. 
So to the place where she had heard them sing 
She came again, and through a little door 
Entered a chamber with a marble floor. 
Open atop unto the outer air. 
Beneath which lay a bath of water fair, 
Paved with strange stones and figures of bright gold. 
And from the steps thereof could she behold 
The slim-leaved trees against the evening sky 
Golden and calm, still moving languidly. 

So for a time upon the brink she sat, 
Debating in her mind of this and that. 
And then arose and slowly from her cast 
Her raiment, and adown the steps she passed 
Into the water, and therein she played, 
Till of herself at last she grew afraid, 
And of the broken image of her face, 
And the loud splashing in that lonely place. 
So from the bath she gat her quietly. 
And clad herself in whatso haste might be ; 
And when at last %he was apparelled 
Unto a chamber came, w^here was a bed 
Of gold and ivory, and precious wood 
Some island bears where never man has stood ; 
And round about hung curtains of delight, 
Wherein were interwoven Day and Night 
Joined by the hands of Love, and round their wings 
Knots of fair flowers no earthly May- time brings. 



STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE, 239 

Strange for its beauty was the coverlet, , || 

With birds and beasts and flowers wrought over it ; 

And every cloth was made in daintier wise 

Than any man on earth could well devise : 

Yea, there such beauty was in everything. 

That she, the daughter of a mighty king. 

Felt strange therein, and trembled lest that she, 

Deceived by dreams, had wandered heedlessly 

Into a bower for some fair goddess made. 

Yet if perchance some man had thither strayed, 

It had been long ere he had^ noted aught 

But her sweet face, made pensive by the thought 

Of all the wonders that she moved in there. 

But, looking round, upon a table fair 
She saw a book wherein old tales were writ. 
And by the window sat, to read in it 
Until the dusk had melted into night. 
When waxen tapers did her servants light 
With unseen hands, until it grew like day. 

And so at last upon the bed she lay. 
And slept a dreamless sleep for weariness, 
Forgetting all the wonder and distress. 

But at the dead of night she woke, and heard 
A rustling noise, and grew right sore afeard, 
Yea, could not move a finger for afright ; 
And all was darker now than darkest night. 

Withal a voice close by her did she hear. 
"Alas, my love ! why tremblest thou with fear, 
While I am trembling with new happiness ? 
Forgive me, sweet, thy terror and distress : 
Not otherwise could this our meeting be. 
O loveliest ! such bliss awaiteth thee 
For all thy trouble and thy shameful tears. 
Such nameless honor, and such happy years, 
As fall not unto women of the earth. 
Loved as thou art, thy short-lived pains are worth 
The glory and the joy unspeakable 
Wherein the Treasure of the World shall dwell : 
A little hope, a little patience yet. 
Ere everything thou wilt, thou may'st forget, 
Or else remember as a well-told tale, 
That for some pensive pleasure may avail. 
Canst thou not love me, then, who wrought thy woe. 
That thou the height and depth of joy mightst know?" 



240 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

He spoke, and as upon the bed she lay, 
Trembling amidst new thoughts, he sent a ray 
Of finest love unto her inmost heart, 
Till, murmurin^ ' w, she strove the night to part, 
And like ^ - vvho meets her love at last, 
"When the lono- days of yearning are o'erpast. 
She reacht^ lim her perfect arms unseen, 
And said, '* O Love, hov^ wretched I have been ! 
What hast thou done ? " And by her side he lay, 
Till just before the dawning of the day; 



THE sun was high when Psyche woke again, 
And turning to the place where he had lain 
And seeing no one, doubted of the thing 
That she had dreamed it, till a fair gold ring. 
Unseen before, upon her hand she found. 
And touching her bright head she felt it crowned 
With a bright circlet ; then withal she sighed, 
And wondered how the oracle had lied. 
And wished her father knew it, and straightway 
Rose up and clad herself. Slow went the day. 
Though helped with many a solace, till came night ; 
And therewithal the new, unseen delight. 
She learned to call her Love. 

So passed away 
The days and nights, until upon a day, 
As in the shade at noon she lay asleep. 
She dreamed that she beheld her sisters w^eep, 
And her old father clad in sorry guise. 
Grown foolish with the weight of miseries. 
Her friends black-clad and moving mournfully. 
And folk in wonder landed from the sea. 
At such a fall of such a matchless maid. 
And in some press apart her raiment laid 
Like precious relics, and an empty tomb 
Set in the palace telling of her doom. 

Therefore she wept in sleep, and woke with tears 
Still on her face, and wet hair round her ears, 
And went about unhappily that day. 
Framing a gentle speech wherewith to pi'ay 
For leave to see her sisters once again. 
That they might know her happy, and her pain 
Turned all to joy, and honor come from shame. 



STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE. 241 

And so at last night and her lover came, 
And midst their fondling, suddenly she said, 
" O Love, a little time we have been wed, 
And yet I ask a boon of thee this night. " 

" Psyche, '^ he said, " if my heart tells me right, 
This thy desire may bring us bitter woe, 
For who the shifting chanc . of fate can know ? 
Yet, forasmuch as mortal hearts are weak, 
To-morrow shall my folk thy sisters seek, 
And bear them hither ; but before the day 
Is fully ended must they go away. 
And thou — beware — for, fresh and good and true, 
Thou knowest not what worldly hearts may do, 
Or what a curse gold is unto the earth. 
Beware lest from thy full heart, in thy mirth. 
Thou tell'st the story of thy love unseen : 
Thy loving, simple heart, fits not a queen." 

Then by her kisses did she know he frowned, 
But close about him her fair arms she wound, 
Until for happiness he 'gan to smile. 
And in those arms forgat all else awhile. 

So the next day, for joy that they should come. 
Would Psyche further deck her strange new home, 
And even as she 'gan to think the thought. 
Quickly her will by unseen hands was wrought. 
Who came and went like thoughts. Yea, how should I 
Tell of the works oPgold and ivory, 
The gems and images, those hands brought there ; 
The prisoned things of earth, and sea, and air. 
They brought to please their mistress ? Many a beast, 
Such as King Bacchus in his reckless feast 
Makes merry with, — huge elephants, snow-white 
With gilded tusks, or dusky-gray with bright 
And shining chains about their wrinkled necks ; 
The mailed rhinoceros, that of nothing recks ; 
Dusky-maned libns ; spotted leopards fair 
That through the cane-brake move unseen as air ; 
The deep-mouthed tiger, dread of the brown man ; 
The eagle, and the peacock, and the swan, — 
These be the nobles of the birds and beasts. 
But therewithal, for laughter at their feasts. 
They brought them the gods' jesters, such as be 
Quick-chattering apes, that yet in mockery 
Of anxious men wrinkle their ugly brows ; 
Strange birds with pouches, birds with beaks like prows 
16 



242 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

Of merchant-ships, with tufted crests like threads, 

With unimaginable monstrous heads. 

Lo, such as these, in many a gilded cage 

They brought, or chained for fear of sudden rage. 

Then strewed they scented branches on the floor. 
And hung rose-garlands up by the great door. 
And wafted incense through the bowers and halls, 
And hung up fairer hangings on the walls. 
And filled the baths with water fresh and clear, 
And in the chambers laid apparel fair, 
And spread a table for a royal feast. 

Then, when from all these labors they had ceased. 
Psyche they sung to sleep with lullabies ; 
Who slept not long, but opening soon her eyes, 
Beheld her sisters on the threshold stand : 
Then did she run to take them by the hand, 
And laid her cheek to theirs, and murmured words 
Of little meaning, like the moan of birds, 
While they bewildered stood and gazed ai^ound, 
Like people who in some strange land have found 
One that they thought not of; but she at last 
Stood back, and from her face the strayed locks cast. 
And, smiling through her tears, said, "Ah, that ye 
Should have to weep such useless tears for me ! 
Alas, the burden that the city bears 
For naught ! O me, my father's burning tears, 
That into all this honor I am come ! 
Nay, does he live yet ? Is the ancient home 
Still standing ? do the galleys throng the quays ? 
Do the brown Indians glitter down the ways 
With rubies as of old ? Yes, yes, ye smile, 
For ye are thinking, but a little while 
Apart from these has she been dwelling here ; 
Truly, yet long enough, loved ones and dear. 
To make me other than I was of old. 
Though now when your dear faces I behold 
Am I myself again. But by what road 
■ Have ye been brought to this my new abode ? " 

" Sister," said one, *' I rose up from my bed 
It seems this morn, and being apparelled, 
And walking in my garden, in a swoon 
Helpless and unattended I sank down, 
Wherefrom I scarce am waked, for as a dream 
Dost thou with all this royal glory seem, 
But for thy kisses and thy words, O love." 

*' Yea, Psyche," said the other, *'as I drove 



STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE. 243 

The ivory shuttle through the shuttle-race, 

All was changed suddenly, and in this place 

I found myself, and standing on my feet, 

Where me with sleepy words this one did greet. 

Now, sister, tell us whence these wonders come 

With all the godlike splendor of your home." ' H 

" Sisters," she said, *' more marvels shall ye see 
When ye have been a little while with me, 
Whereof I cannot tell you more than this 
That 'midst them all I dwell in ease and bliss, 
Well-loved and wedded to a mighty lord. 
Fair beyond measure, from whose loving word 
I know that happier days await me yet. 
But come, my sisters, let us now forget 
To seek for empty knowledge ; ye shall take 
Some little gifts for your lost sister's sake ; 
And whatso wonders ye may see or hear 
Of nothing frightful have ye any fear. " 

Wondering they went with her, and looking round, 
Each in the other's eyes a strange look found. 
For these, her mother's daughters, had no part 
In her divine fresh singleness of heart, 
But longing to be great, remembered not 
How short a time one heart on earth has got. 

But keener still that guarded look now grew 
As more of that strange lovely place they knew, 
And as with growing hate, but still afeard. 
The unseen choirs' heart-softening strains they heard, 
Which did but harden these ; and when at noon 
They sought the shaded waters' freshening boon. 
And all unhidden once again they saw 
That peerless beauty free from any flaw. 
Which now at last had won its precious meed, 
Her kindness then but fed the fire of greed 
Within their hearts, — her gifts, the rich attire 
Wherewith she clad them, where like sparks of fire 
The many-colored gems shone midst the pearls, 
The soft silks' winding lines, the work of girls 
By the Five Rivers ; their fair marvellous crowns. 
Their sandals' fastenings worth the rent of towns. 
Zones and carved rings, and nameless wonders fair. 
All things her faithful slaves had brought them there, 
Given amid kisses, made them not more glad ; 
Since in their hearts the ravening worm they had 
That love slays not, nor yet is satisfied 



244 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Wliile aught but he has aught ; yet still they tried 
To look as they deemed loving folk should look, 
And still with words of love her bounty took. 

So at the last all being apparelled, 
Her sisters to the banquet Psyche led, 
Fair were they, and each seemed a glorious queen 
With all that wondrous daintiness beseen, 
But Psyche clad in gown of dusky blue 
Little adorned, with deep gray eyes that knew 
The hidden marvels of Love's holy fire. 
Seemed like the soul of innocent desire, 
Shut from the mocking world, wherefrom those twain 
Seemed come to lure her thence with labor vain. 

Now having reached the place where they should eat, 
Ere 'neath the canopy the three took seat, 
The eldest sister unto Psyche said, 
* ' And he, dear love, the man that thou hast wed, 
Will he not wish to-day thy kin to see ? 
Then could we tell of thy felicity 
The better, to our folk and father dear. " 

Then Psyche reddened, " Nay, he is not here," 
She stammered, "neither will be here to-day, 
For mighty matters keep him far away." 
" Alas !" the younger sister said, " Say then, 
What is the likeness of this first of men ; 
What sayest thou about his loving eyne. 
Are his locks black, or golden-red as thine ? " 
*' Black-haired like me," said Psyche stammering 
And looking round, " what say I ? like the King 
Who rules the world, he seems to me at least — 
Come, sisters, sit, and let us make good feast I 
My darling and my love ye shall behold 
I doubt not soon, his crispy hair of gold, 
His eyes unseen ; and ye shall hear his voice. 
That in my joy ye also may rejoice." 

Then did they hold their peace, although indeed 
Her stammering haste they did not fail to heed. 
But at their wondrous royal feast they sat 
Thinking their thoughts, and spoke of this or that 
Between the bursts of music, until when 
The sun was leaving the abodes of men ; 
And then must Psyche to her sisters say 
That she was bid, her husband being away, 



STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE. 245 

To suffer none at night to harbor there, 

No, not the mother that her body bare 

Or father that begat her, therefore they 

Must leave her now, till some still happier day. 

And therewithal more precious gifts she brought 

Whereof not e'en in dreams they could have thought, 

Things whereof noble stories might be told ; 

And said ; " These matters that you here behold 

Shall be the worst of gifts that you shall have ; 

Farewell, farewell ! and may the high gods save 

Your lives and fame ; and tell our father dear t 

Of all the honor that I live in here, 

And how that greater happiness shall come 

When I shall reach a long-enduring home." 

Then these, though burning through the night to stay. 
Spake loving words, and went upon their way. 
When weeping she had kissed them ; but they wept 
Such tears as traitors do, for, as they stepped 
Over the threshold, in each other's eyes 
They looked, for each was eager to surprise 
The envy that their hearts were filled withal, 
That to their lips came welling up like gall. 

" So," said the first, '*this palace without folk, 
These wonders done with none to strike a stroke. 
This singing in the air, and no one seen, 
These gifts too wonderful for any queen. 
The trance wherein we both were wrapt away, 

And set down by her golden house to-day — ; 

— These are the deeds of gods, and not of men ; k '■^• 

And fortunate the day was to her, when t'l; 

Weeping she left the house where we were born, i ■^■ 

And all men deemed her shamed and most forlorn.'' i 

Then said the other, reddening in her rage, 
*' She is the luckiest one of all this age ; 
And yet she might have told us of her case. 
What god it is that dwelleth in the place. 
Nor sent us forth like beggars from her gate. 
And beggarly, O sister, is our fate. 
Whose husbands wring from miserable hinds 
What the first battle scatters to the winds ; 
While she to us, whom from her door she drives 
And makes of no account or honor, gives 
Such wonderful and priceless gifts as these, 
Fit to bedeck the limbs of goddesses ! 
And yet who knows but she may get a fall ? 



245 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

The strongest tower has not the highest wall, 
Think well of this, when you sit safe at home. " 

By this nntu the river were they come, 
Where waited Zephyrus miseen, who cast 
A languor over them that quickly passed 
Into deep sleep, and on the grass they sank ; 
Then straightway did he lift them from the bank. 
And quickly each in her fair house set down. 
Then flew aloft above the sleeping town. 

Long in their homes they brooded over this, 
And how that Psyche nigh a goddess is ; 
While all folk deemed that she quite lost had been, 
For naught they said of all that they had seen. 

But now that night when she, with many a kiss, 
Had told their coming, and of that and this 
That happed, he said, "These things, O Love, are well ; 
Glad am I that no evil thing befell. 
And yet, between thy father's house and me 
Must thou choose now ; then either royally 
Shalt thou go home, and wed some king at last, 
And have no harm for all that here has passed ; 
Or else, my love, bear, as thy brave heart may. 
This loneliness in hope of that fair day 
Which, by my head, shall come to thee ; and then 
Shalt thou be glorious to the sons of men. 
And by my side shalt sit in such estate 
That in all time all men shall sing thy fate." 

But with that word such love through her he breathed, 
That round about him her fair arms she wreathed ; 
And so with loving passed the night away. 
And wdth fresh hope came on the fresh May-day, 
And so passed many a day and many a night. 
And weariness was balanced with delight, 
And into such a mind was Psyche brought 
That little of her father's house she thought, 
But ever of the happy day to come 
When she should go unto her promised home. 

Till she, that threw the golden apple down 
Upon the board, and lighted up Troy town, 
On dusky wings came flying o'er the place, 
And seeing Psyche with her happy face 
Asleep beneath some fair tree blossoming, 
Into her sleep straight cast an evil thing ; 
Whereby she dreamed she saw her father laid 



STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE, 247 

Panting for breath beneath the golden shade 

Of his great bed's embroidered canopy, 

And with his last breath moaning heavily 

Her name and fancied woes ; thereat she woke, 

And this ill dream through all her quiet broke, 

And when next morn her love from her would go, 

And going, as it was his wont to do. 

Would kiss her sleeping, he must find the tears 

Filling the hollows of her rosy ears 

And wetting half the golden hair that lay 

'Twixt him and her : then did he speak and say, 

' ' O Love, why dost thou lie awake and weep, 

Who for content sliouldst have good heart to sleep 

This cold hour ere the dawning ? " Naught she said, 

But wept aloud. Then cried he, " By my head ! 

Whate'er thou wishest I will do for thee ; 

Yea, if it make an end of thee and me." 

" O Love," she said, " I scarce dare ask again, 
Yet is there in mine heart an aching pain 
To know what of my father is become : 
So would I send my sisters to my home, 
Because I doubt indeed they never told 
Of all my honor in this house of gold ; 
So now of them a great oath would I take." 

He said, * ' Alas ! and hast thou been awake 
For them indeevd ? who in my arms asleep 
Mightst well have been ; for their sakes didst thou weep, 
Who mightst have smiled to feel my kiss on thee ? 
Yet as thou wishest once more shall it be. 
Because my oath constrains me, and thy tears. 
And yet again beware, and make these fears 
Of none avail ; nor waver any more, 
I pray thee : for already to the shore 
Of all delights and joys thou drawest nigh." 

He spoke, and from the chamber straight did fly 
To highest heaven, and, going softly then, 
Wearied the father of all gods and men 
With prayers for Psyche's immortality. 

Meantime went Zephyrus across the sea. 
To bring her sisters to her arms again. 
Though of that message little was he fain, 
Knowing their malice and their cankered hearts. 

For now these tM^o had thought upon their parts. 
And made up a false tale for Psyche's ear ; 



I 



248 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

For when awaked, to her they drew anear, 

Sobbing, their faces in their hands they hid. 

Nor, when she asked them why this thing they did, 

Would answer aught, till trembling Psyche said, 

" Nay, nay, what is it ? is our father dead ? 

Or do ye weep these tears for shame that ye 

Have told him not of my felicity. 

To make me weep amidst my new-found bliss ? 

Be comforted, for short the highway is 

To my forgiveness : this day shall ye go 

And take him gifts, and tell him all ye know 

Of this my unexpected happy lot. " 

Amidst fresh sobs one said, ' ' We told him not ; 
But by good counsel did w^e hide the thing. 
Deeming it well that he should feel the sting 
For once, than for awhile be glad again, 
And after come to suffer double pain." 

" Alas ! what mean you, sister? " Psyche said, 
For terror waxing pale as are the dead. 
*' O sister, speak ! ^' " Child, by this loving kiss," 
Spake one of them, " and that remembered bliss 
We dwelt in when our mother was alive, 
Or ever we began with ills to strive, 
By all the hope thou hast to see again 
Our aged father and to soothe his pain, 
I charge thee tell me, — Hast thou seen the thing 
Thou callest Husband ? " 

Breathless, quivering, 
Psyche cried out, " Alas ! what sayest thou? 
What riddles wilt thou speak unto me now ? " 

*' Alas ! " she said ; "then is it as I thought. 
Sister, in dreadful places have we sought 
To learn about thy case, and thus we found 
A wise man, dwelling vmderneath the ground 
In a dark awful cave : he told to us 
A horrid tale thereof, and piteous. 
That thou wert wedded to an evil thing, 
A serpent-bodied fiend of poisonous sting, 
Bestial of form, yet therewith lacking not 
E'en such a soul as wicked men have got, 
Thus ages long agone the gods made him, 
And set him in a lake hereby to swim ; 
But every hundred years he hath this grace, 
That he may change within this golden place 
Into a fair young man by night alone. 
Alas, my sister, thou hast cau ,e to groan ! 



STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE. 249 

What say est thou ? — His words ai^efair a7td soft ; 
He raineth loving kisses on me oft, 

Weeping for love ; he tells me of a day 

When from this place zve both shall go away. 
And he shall kiss me then no 77iore unseen. 

The while I sit by him a glorious queen 

— Alas, poor child ! it pleaseth thee, his kiss ? 
Then must I show thee why he doeth this : 
Because he willeth for a time to save 
Thy body, wretched one ! that he may have 
Both child and mother for his watery hell — 
Ah, what a tale this is for me to tell ! 

" Thou prayest us to save thee, and we can ; 
Since for naught else we sought that wise old man, 
Who for great gifts and seeing that of kings 
We both were come, has told us all these things, 
And given us a fair lamp of hallowed oil 
Tha.t he has wrought with danger and much toil ; 
And thereto has he added a sharp knife, 
In forging which he wellnigh lost his life, 
About him so the devils of the pit 
Came swarming — O my sister, hast thou it?" 

Straight from her gown the other one drew out 
The lamp and knife, which Psyche, dumb with doubt 
And misery at once, took in her hand. 

Then said her sister, " From this doubtful land 
Thou gav'st us royal gifts a while ago. 
But these we give thee, though they lack for show. 
Shall be to thee a better gift, — thy life. 
Put now in some sure place this lamp and knife, 
And when he sleeps rise silently from bed 
And hold the hallowed lamp above his head, 
And swiftly draw the charmed knife across 
His cursed neck, — thou well mayst bear the loss, — 
Nor shall he keep his man's shape more, when he 
First feels the iron wrought so mysticly ; 
But thou, flee unto us, we have a tale, 
Of what has been thy lot within this vale. 
When we have 'scaped therefrom, which we shall do 
By virtue of strange spells the old man knew. 
Farewell, sweet sister ! here we may not stay. 
Lest in returning he should pass this way ; 
But in the vale we will not fail to wait 
Till thou art loosened from thine evil fate." 

Thus went they, and for long they said not aught, 



250 



THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 



Fearful lest any should surprise their thought, 
But in such wise had envy conquered fear, 
That they were fain that eve to bide anear 
Their sister's ruined home ; but when they came 
Unto the river, on them fell the same 
Resistless languor they had felt before, 
And from the blossoms of that flowery shore 
Their sleeping bodies soon did Zephyr bear, 
For other folk to hatch new ills and care. 

But on the ground sat Psyche all alone, 
The lamp and knife beside her, and no moan 
She made, but silent let the long hours go, 
Till dark night closed around her and her woe. 

Then trembling she arose, for now drew near 
The time of utter loneliness and fear. 
And she must think of death, who until now 
Had thought of ruined life, and love brought low ; 
And with that thought, tormenting doubt there came, 
And images of some unheard-of shame, 
Until forlorn, entrapped of gods she felt. 
As though in some strange hell her spirit dwelt. 

Yet driven by her sisters' words at last. 
And by remembrance of the time now past, 
"When she stood trembling, as the oracle 
With all its fearful doom upon her fell. 
She to her hapless wedding-chamber turned, 
And while the waxen tapers freshly burned 
She laid those dread gifts ready to her hand. 
Then quenched the lights, and by the bed did stand, 
Turning these matters in her troubled mind ; 
And sometimes hoped some glorious man to find 
Beneath the lamp, fit bridegroom for a bride 
Like her ; ah, then ! with what joy to his side 
Would she creep back in the dark silent night , 
But whiles she quaked at thought of what a sight 
The larnp might show her ; the hot rush of blood 
The knife might shed upon her as she stood , 
The dread of some pursuit ; the hurrying out, 
Through rooms where every sound would seem a shout, 
Into the windy night among the trees. 
Where many a changing monstrous sight one sees, 
AVhen naught at all has happed to chill the blood. 

But as among these evil thoughts she stood. 
She heard him coming, and straight crept to bed. 



STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE. 251 

And felt him touch her with a new-born dread, 
And durst not answer to his words of love. 
But when he slept, she rose that tale to prove, 
And sliding down as softly as might be, 
And moving through the chamber quietly. 
She gat the lamp within her trembling hand, 
And long, debating still these things, did stand 
In that thick darkness, till she seemed to be 
A dweller in some black eternity,® 
And what she once had called the world did seem 
A hollow void, a colorless mad dream ; 
For she felt so alone — three times in vain 
She moved her heavy hand, three times again 
It fell adown ; at last throughout the place 
Its flame glared, lighting up her woful face, 
Whose eyes the silken carpet did but meet. 
Grown strange and awful, and her own wan feet 
As toward the bed she stole ; but come thereto 
Back with closed eyes and quivering lips, she threw 
Her lovely head, and strove to think of it. 
While images of fearful things did flit 
Before her eyes ; thus, raising up the hand 
That bore the lamp, one moment did she stand 
As man's time tells it, and then suddenly 
Opened her eyes, but scarce kept back a cry 
At what she saw ; for there before her lay 
The very Love brighter than dawn of day ; 
And, as he lay there smihng, her own name 
His gentle lips in sleep began to frame, 
And, as to touch her face his hand did move ; 
O then, indeed, her faint heart swelled for love, 
And she began to sob, and tears fell fast 
Upon the bed. — But, as she turned at last 
To quench the lamp, there happed a little thing 
That quenched her new delight, for flickering 
The treacherous flame cast on his shoulder fair 
A burning drop ; he woke, and seeing her there 
The meanmg of that sad sight knew full well, 
Nor was there need the piteous tale to tell. 

Then on her knees she fell with a great ciy. 
For in his face she saw the thunder nigh. 
And she began to know what she had done. 
And saw herself henceforth, unloved, alone, 
Pass onward to the grave ; and once again 
She heard the voice she now must love in vain. 



252 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

'^ Ah, has it come to pass ? and hast thou lost 
A life of love, and must thou still be tossed 
One moment in the sun 'twixt night and night ? 
And must I lose what would have been delight, 
Untasted yet amidst immortal bliss. 
To wed a soul made worthy of my kiss, 
Set in a frame so wonderfully made. 

" O wavering heart, farewell ! be not afraid 
That I with fire will burn thy body fair, 
Or cast thy sweet limbs piecemeal through the air; 
The fates shall work thy punishment alone. 
And thine own memory of our kindness done. 

" Alas ! what wilt thou do ? how shalt thou bear 
The cruel world, the sickening still despair. 
The mocking, curious faces bent on thee. 
When thou hast known what love there is in me ? 
O happy only, if thou couldst forget. 
And live unholpen, lonely, loveless yet, 
But untormented through the little span 
That on the earth ye call the life of man. 
Alas ! that thou, too fair a thing to die, 
Shouldst so be born to double misery ! 

" Farewell ! though I, a god, can never know 
How thou canst lose thy pain, yet time will go 
Over thine head, and thou mayst mingle yet 
The bitter and the sweet, nor quite forget. 
Nor quite remember, till these things shall seem 
The v^-avering memory of a lovely dream." 

Therewith he caught his shafts up and his bow, 
And striding through the chambers did he go, 
Light all around him ; and she, wailing sore. 
Still followed after; but he turned no more, 
And when into the moonlit night he came 
From out her sight he vanished like a flame. 
And on the threshold till the dawn of day 
Through all the changes of the night she lay. 



AT daybreak when she lifted up her eyes. 
She looked around with heavy dull surprise, 
And rose to enter the fair golden place ; 
But then remembering all her piteous case 
She turned away, lamenting very sore. 
And wandered down unto 3ie river shore ; 



STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE, 253 

There, at the head of a green pool and deep, 

She stood so long that she forgot to weep, 

And the wild things about the water-side 

From such- a silent thing cared not to hide ; 

The dace pushed Against the stream, the dragon-fly, 

With its green-painted wing went flickering by ; 

The water-hen, the lustred kingfisher. 

Went on their ways and took no heed of her ; 

The little reed birds never ceased to sing, 

And still the eddy, like a living thing, 

Broke into sudden gurgles at her feet. 

But 'midst these fair things, on that morning sweet. 

How could she, weary creature, find a place ? 

She moved at last, and lifting up her face, 

Gathered her raiment up and cried, *' Farewell, 

O fairest lord ! and since I cannot dwell 

With thee in heaven, let me now hide my head 

In whatsoever dark place dwell the dead ! " 

And with that word she leapt into the stream. 
But the kind river even yet did deem 
That she should live, and, with all gentle care. 
Cast her ashore within a meadow fair. 
Upon the other side, where Shepherd Pan 
Sat looking down upon the water wan. 
Goat-legged and merry, who called out, '' Fair maid, 
Why goest thou hurrying to the feeble shade 
Whence none return ? Well do I know thy pain. 
For I am old, and have not lived in vain ; 
Thou wilt forget all that within a while. 
And on some other happy youth wilt smile ; 
And sure he must be dull indeed if he 
Forget not all things in his ecstasy 
At sight of such a wonder made for him, 
That in that cHnging gown makes mine eyes swim, 
Old as I am : but to the god of Love 
Pray now, sweet child, for all things can he move." 

Weeping she passed him, but full reverently, 
And well she saw that she was not to die 
Till she had filled the measure of her woe. 

So through the mead she passed, half blind and slow, 
And on her sisters somewhat now she thought ; 
"And, pondering on the evil they had wrought. 
The veil fell from her, and she saw their guile. 

" Alas ! " she said, " can death make folk so vile? 
What wonder that the gods are glorious then, 
Who cannot feel the hates and fears of m^en ? 



254 THE EAR Tift Y PARADISE. 

Sisters, alas, for what ye used to be ! 

Once did I think, whatso might hap to me, 

Still at the worst, within your arms to find 

A haven of pure love ; then were ye kind, 

Then was my joy e'en as my very own — 

And now, and now, if I can be alone 

That is my best : but that can never be. 

For your unkindness still shall stay with me 

When ye are dead — But thou, my love ! my dear ! 

Wert thou not kind ? — I should have lost my fear 

Within a little — Yea, and e'en just now 

With angry godhead on thy lovely brow. 

Still thou wert kind — And art thou gone away 

For ever ? I know not, but day by day 

Still will I seek thee till I come to die, 

And nurse remembrance of felicity 

Within my heart, although it wound me sore ; 

For what am I but thine for evermore ! " 

Thenceforth her back upon the world she turned 
As she had known it ; in her heart there burned 
Such deathless love, that still untired she went : 
The huntsman, dropping down the woody bent, 
In the still evening saw her passing by. 
And for her beauty fain would draw anigh, 
But yet durst not ; the shepherd on the down, 
Wondering, would shade his eyes with fingers brown, 
As on the hill's brow, looking o'er the lands. 
She stood with straining eyes and clasped hands, 
While the wind blew the raiment from her feet ; 
The wandering soldier her gray eyes would meet, 
That took no heed of him, and drop his own ; 
Like a thin dream she passed the clattering town ; 
On the thronged quays she watched the ships come in 
Patient, amid the strange outlandish din ; 
Unscared she saw the sacked towns' miseries, 
And marching armies passed before her eyes. 
And still of her the god had such a care 
None did her wrong, although alone and fair. 
Through rough and smooth she wandered many a day, 
Till all her hope had wellnigh passed away. 

Meanwhile the sisters, each in her own home, , 
Waited the day when outcast she should come 
And ask their pity ; when perchance, indeed. 
They looked to give her shelter in her need, 



STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE. 255 

And with soft words such faint reproaches take 
As she durst make them for her ruin's sake ; 
But day passed day, and still no Psyche came, 
And while they wondered whether, to their shame, 
Their plot had failed, or gained its end too well, 
And Psyche slain, no tale thereof could tell. — 
Amidst these things, the eldest sister lay 
Asleep one evening of a summer day, 
Dreaming she saw the god of love anigh. 
Who seemed to say unto her lovingly, 
*' Hail unto thee, fair sister of my love ; 
Nor fear me for that thou her faith didst prove, 
And found it wanting, for thou too art fair, 
Her place mifilled ; rise then, and have no care 
For father or for friends, but go straightway 
Unto the rock where she was borne that day ; 
There, if thou hast a will to be my bride. 
Put thou all fear of horrid death aside. 
And leap from off the cliff, and there will come 
My slaves, to bear thee up and take thee home. 
Haste then, before the summer night grows late, 
For in my house thy beauty I await ! " 

So spake the drearn ; and through the night did sail, 
And to the other sister bore the tale, 
While this one' rose, nor doubted of the thing, 
Such deadly pride unto her heart did cling ; 
But by the tapers' ligl^t triumphantly. 
Smiling, her mirrored body did she eye, 
Then hastily rich raiment on her cast 
And through the sleeping serving-people passed. 
And looked with changed eyes on the moonlit street, 
Nor scarce could feel the ground beneath her feet. 
But long the time seemed to her, till she came 
There where her sister once was borne to shame ; 
And when she reached the bare cliff's rugged brow 
She cried aloud, " O Love, receive me now, 
Who am not all unworthy to be thine ! " 
And with that word, her jewelled arms did shine 
Outstretched beneath the moon, and with one breath 
She sprung to meet the outstretched arms of Death, 
The only god that waited for her there. 
And in a gathered moment of despair 
A hideous thing her traitrous life did seem. 

But with the passing of that hollow dream 



h:,"'j 






■in 



256 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

The other sister rose, and as she might, 
Arrayed herself alone in that still night, 
And so stole forth, and making no delay- 
Came to the rock anigh the dawn of day ; 
No warning there her sister's spirit gave, 
No doubt came nigh her the doomed soul to save, 
But with a. fever burning in her blood, 
With glittering eyes and crimson cheeks she stood 
One moment on the brow, the while she cried, 
' ' Receive me, Love, chosen to be thy bride 
From all the million women of the world ! " 
Then o'er the cliff her wricked limbs were hurled, 
Nor has the language of the earth a name 
For that surprise of terror and of shame. 



NOW, midst her wanderings, on a hot noontide, 
Psyche passed down a road, where on each side 
The yellow cornfields lay, although as yet 
Unto the stalks no sickle had been set ; 
The lark sung over them, the butterjfly 
Flickered from ear to ear distractedly. 
The kestrel hung above, the weasel peered 
From out the wheat stalks on her unafeard, 
Along the road the trembling poppies shed 
On the burnt grass their crumpled leaves and red % 
Most lonely was it, nothing Psyche knew 
Unto what land of all the world she drew ; 
Aweary was she, faint and sick at heart, 
Bowed to the earth by thoughts of that sad part 
She needs must play : some blue flower from the corn, 
That in her fingers erewhile she had borne, 
Now dropped from them, still clung unto her gown ; 
Over the hard way hung her head adown 
Despairingly, but still her weary feet 
Moved on half conscious her lost love to meet. 

So going, at the last she raised her eyes. 
And saw a grassy mound before her rise 
Over the yellow plain, and thereon was 
A marble fane with doors of burnished brass. 
That 'twixt the pillars set about it burned ; 
So thitherward from off the road she turned. 
And soon she heard a rippling water sound, 
And reached a stream that girt the hill around, 



STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE. 257. 

Whose green waves wooed her body lovingly ; 
So looking round, and seeing no soul anigh, 
Unclad, she crossed the shallows, and there laid 
Her dusty raiment in the alder-shade, 
And slipped adown into the shaded pool, 
And with the pleasure of the water cool 
Soothed her tired limbs awhile, then with a sigh 
Came forth, and clad her body hastily, 
And up the hill made for the little fane. 

But when its threshold now her feet did gain. 
She, looking through the pillars of the shrine, 
Beheld therein a golden image shine 
Of golden Ceres ; then she passed the door, 
And with bowed head she stood awhile before 
The smiling image, striving for some word 
That did not name her lover and her lord. 
Until midst rising tears at last she prayed : 

" O kind one, if while yet I was a maid 
I ever did thee pleasure, on this day 
Be kind to me, poor wanderer on the way, 
Who strive my love upon the earth to meet ! 
Then let me rest my weary, doubtful feet 
Within thy quiet house a little while, 
And on my rest if thou wouldst please to smile, 
And send me news of my own love and lord, 
It would not cost thee, lady, many a word. " 

But straight from out the shrine a sweet voice came, 
*' O Psyche, though of me thou hast no blame, 
And though indeed thou sparedst not to give 
What my soul loved, while happy thou didst live. 
Yet little can I give now unto thee, 
Since thou art rebel, slave, and enemy 
Unto the love-inspiring Queen ; this grace 
Thou hast alone of me, to leave this place 
Free as thou camest, though the lovely one 
Seeks for the sorceress who entrapped her son 
In every land, and has small joy in aught. 
Until before her presence thou art brought." 

Then Psyche, trembling at the words she spake, 
Durst answer naught, nor for that counsel's sake 
Could other offerings leave except her tears, 
As now, tormented by the new-born fears 
The words divine had raised in her, she passed 
The brazen threshold once again, and cast 
A dreary hopeless look across the plain, 
Whose golden beauty now seemed naught and vain 
17 



I 



258 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Unto lier aching heart ; then down the hill 
She went, and crossed the shallows of the rill, 
And wearily she went upon her way, 
Nor any homestead passed upon that day, 
Nor any hamlet, and at night lay down 
Within a wood, far off from any town. 

There, waking at the dawn, did she behold, 
Through the green leaves, a glimmer as of gold, 
And, passing on, amidst an oak grove found 
A gold-adorned pillared temple round. 
Whose walls were hung with rich and precious things, 
Worthy to be the ransom of great kings ; 
And in the midst of gold and ivory 
An image of Queen J uno did she see ; 
Then her heart swelled v^ithin her, and she thought, 
" Surely the gods hereto my steps have brought. 
And they will yet be merciful and give 
Some little joy to me, that I may live 
Till my love finds me. " Then upon her knees 
She fell, and prayed, " O Crown of goddesses, 
I pray thee, give me shelter in this place, 
Nor turn away from me thy much-loved face, 
If ever I gave golden gifts to thee 
In happier times when my right hand was free.'' 

Then from the inmost shrine there came a voice 
That said, '' It is so, well mayst thou rejoice 
That of thy gifts I yet have memory, 
Wherefore mayst thou depart forewarned and free ; 
Since she that won the golden apple lives, 
And to her servants mighty gifts now gives 
To find thee out, in whatso land thou art. 
For thine undoing : loiter not, depart ! 
For w^hat immortal yet shall shelter thee 
From her that rose from out the unquiet sea ? " 

Then Psyche moaned out in her grief and fear, 
" Alas ! and is there shelter anywhere 
Upon the green flame -hiding earth ? " said she, 
" Or yet beneath it is there peace for me ? 
O Love, since in thine arms I cannot rest, 
Or lay my weary head upon thy breast, 
Have pity yet upon thy love forlorn. 
Make me as though I never had been born ! " 

Then wearily she went upon her way, 
And so, about the middle of the day, 



STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE. 259 

She came before a green and flowery place, 

Walled round about in manner of a chase, 

Whereof the gates as now were open wide ; 

Fair grassy glades and long she saw inside 

Betwixt great trees, down which the unscared deer 

Were playing ; yet a pang of deadly fear, 

She knew not why, shot coldly through her heart, 

And thrice she turned as though she would depart, 

And thrice returned, and in the gateway stood 

With wavering feet : small flowers as red as blood 

Were growing up amid the soft green grass. 

And here and there a fallen rose there was, 

And on the trodden grass a silken lace. 

As though crowned revellers had passed by the place ; 

The restless sparrows chirped upon the wall. 

And faint far music on her ears did fall. 

And from the trees within, the pink-foot doves 

Still told their weary tale unto their loves. 

And all seemed peaceful more than words could say. 

Then she, whose heart still whispered, " Keep away," 
Was drawn by strong desire unto the place. 
So toward the greenest glade she set her face, 
Murmuring, ' ' Alas ! and what a wretch am I, 
That I should fear the summer's greenery ! 
Yea, and is death now any more an ill, 
When lonely through the world I wander still." . 

But when she was amidst those ancient groves, 
Whose close green leaves and choirs of moaning doves 
Shut out the world, then so alone she seemed. 
So strange, her former life was but as dreamed, 
Beside the hopes and fears that drew her on. 
Till so far through that green place she had won, 
That she a rose-hedged garden could behold 
Before a house made beautiful with gold ; 
Which, to her mind beset w^ith that past dream, 
And dim foreshado wings of ill fate, did seem 
That very house, her joy and misery. 
Where that fair sight her longing eyes did see 
They should not see again ; but now the sound 
Of pensive music ringing all around. 
Made all things like a picture, and from thence 
Bewildering odors floating, dulled her sense. 
And killed her fear, and, urged by strong desire 
To see how all should end, she drew yet nigher, 
And o'er the hedge beheld the heads of girls 
Embraced by garlands fresh and orient pearls, 



26o THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

And heard sweet voices murmuring ; then a thrill 

Of utmost joy all memory seemed to kill 

Of good or evil, and her eager hand 

Was on the wicket, then her feet did stand 

Upon new flowers, the while her dizzied eyes 

Gazed wildly round on half seen mysteries, 

And wandered from unnoting face to face. 

For round a fountain midst the flowery place 
Did she behold full many a minstrel girl ; 
While nigh them, on the grass in giddy whirl, 
Bright raiment and white limbs and sandalled feet 
Flew round in time unto the music sweet. 
Whose strains no more were pensive now or sad, 
But rather a fresh sound of triumph had ; 
And round the dance were gathered damsels fair, 
Clad in rich robes adorned with jewels rare ; 
Or little hidden by some woven mist. 
That, hanging round them, here a bosom kissed 
And there a knee, or driven by the wind 
About some lily's bowing stem was twined. 

But when a little Psyche's eyes grew clear, 
A sight they saw that brought back all her fear 
A hundred fold, though neither heaven nor earth 
To such a fair sight elsewhere could give birth ; 
Because apart, upon a golden throne 
Of marvellous work", a woman sat alone, 
Watching the dancers with a smiling face, 
Whose beauty sole had lighted up the place. 
A crown there was upon her glorious head, 
A garland round about her girdlestead, 
Where matchless wonders of the hidden sea 
Were brought together and set wonderfully ; 
Naked she was of all else, but her hair 
About her body rippled here and there, 
And lay in heaps upon the golden seat, 
And even touched the gold cloth where her feet 
Lay amid roses, — ah, how kind she seemed ! 
What depths of love from out her gray eyes beamed ; 

Well might the birds leave singing on the trees 
To watch the peace that crown of goddesses, 
Yet well might Psyche sicken at the sight. 
And feel her feet wax heavy, her head light ; 
For now at last her evil day w^as come, 
Since she had wandered to the very home 
Of her most cruel and bitter enemy. 



STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE. 261 

Half dead, yet must she turn about to flee, 
But, as her eyes back o'er her shoulder gazed. 
And with weak hands her clinging gown she raised, 
And from her lips unwitting came a moan. 
She felt strong arms about her body thrown. 
And, blind with fear, was haled along till she 
Saw floating by her faint eyes dizzily 
That vision of the pearls and roses fresh, 
The golden carpet and the rosy flesh. 

Then, as in vain she strove to make some sound, 
A sweet voice seemed to pierce the air around 
With bitter words ; her doom rang in her ears, 
She felt the misery that lacketh tears. 
*' Come hither, damsels, and the pearl behold 
That hath no price ? See now the thrice tried gold, 
That all men worshipped, that a god would have 
To be his bride ! how like a wretched slave 
She cowers down, and lacketh even voice 
To plead her cause ! Come,, damsels, and rejoice 
That now once more the waiting w^orld will move, 
Since she is found, the well-loved soul of love I 

'' And thou poor wretch, what god hath led thee here ? 
Art thou so lost in this abyss of fear. 
Thou canst not weep thy misery and shame ? 
Canst thou not even speak thy shameful name ? " 

But even then the flame of fervent love 
In Psyche's tortured heart began to move, 
And gave her utterance, and she said, " Alas ! 
Surely the end of life has come to pass 
For me, who have been bride of very Love, 
Yet love still bides in me, O Seed of Jove, 
For such I know thee ; slay me, naught is lost ! 
For had I had the will to count the cost 
And buy my love with all this misery, 
Thus and no otherwise the thing should be. 
Would I were dead, my wretched beauty gone, 
No trouble now to thee or any one ! " 

And with that last word did ^he hang her head, 
As one who hears not, whatsoe'er is said y 
But Venus rising with a dreadful cry 
Said, " O thou fool, I will not let thee die ! 
But thou shalt reap the harvest thou hast sown 
And many a day thy wretched lot bemoan. 
Thou art my slave, and not a day shall be 
But I will find some fitting task for thee. 



262 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

Nor will I slay thee till thou hop'st again. 

What, thinkest thou that utterly in vain 

Jove is my sire, and in despite my will 

That thou canst mock me with thy beauty still ? 

Come forth, O strong-armed, punish this new slave, 

That she henceforth a humble heart may have." 

All round about the damsels in a ring 
Were drawn to see the ending of the thing. 
And now, as Psyche's eyes stared wildly round, 
No help in any face of them she found. 
As from the fair and dreadful face she turned 
In whose gray eyes such steadfast anger burned ; 
Yet midst her agony she scarcely knew 
What thing it was the goddess bade them do. 
And all the pageant, like a dreadful dream, 
Hopeless and long-enduring grew to seem ; 
Yea, when the strong-armed through the crowd did break, 
Girls like to those whose close-locked squadrons shake 
The echoing surface of the Asian plain. 
And when she saw their threatening hands, in vain 
She strove to speak, so like a dream it was ; 
So like a dream that this should come to pass. 
And 'neath her feet the green earth opened not. 

But when her breaking heart again waxed hot 
With dreadful thoughts and prayers unspeakable 
As all their bitter torment on her fell. 
When she her own voice heard, nor knew its sound, 
And like red flame she saw the trees and ground. 
Then first she seemed to know what misery 
To helpless folk upon the earth can be. 

But while beneath the many moving feet 
The small crushed flowers sent up their odor sweet, 
Above sat Venus, calm, and very fair. 
Her white hmbs bared of all her golden hair, 
Into her heart all wrath cast back again, 
As on the terror and the helpless pain 
She gazed with gentle eyes, and unmoved smiled ; 
Such as in Cyprus, the fair-blossomednsle. 
When on the altar in the summer night 
They pile the roses up for her delight. 
Men see within their hearts, and long that they 
Unto her very body there might pray. 

At last to them some dainty sign she made 
To hold their cruel hands, and therewith bade 
To bear her slave new-gained from out her sight 



STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE, 263 

And keep her safely till the morrow's light ; 
So her across the sunny sward they led 
With fainting limbs, and heavy downcast head, 
And mto some nigh lightless prison cast 
To brood alone o'er happy days long past 
And all the dreadful times that yet should be. 
But she being gone, one moment pensively 
The goddess did the distant hills behold, 
Then bade her girls bind up her hair of gold, 
And veil her breast, the very forge of love, 
With raiment that no earthly shutde wove. 
And 'gainst the hard earth arm her lovely feet : 
Then she went forth some shepherd king to meet 
Deep in the hollow of a shaded vale, 
To make his woes a long-enduring tale. 



BUT over Psyche, hapless and forlorn, 
Unseen the sun rose on the morrow morn, 
Nor knew she aught about the death of night 
Until her gaoler's torches filled with light 
The dreary place, blinding her unused eyes. 
And she their voices heard that bade her rise ; 
She did their bidding, yet grown faint and pale 
She shrank away and strove her arms to veil 
In her gown's bosom, and to hide from them 
Her httle feet within her garment's hem ; 
But mocking her, they brought her thence away, 
And led her forth into the light of day,^ 
And brought her to a marble cloister fair ^ 
Where sat the Queen on her adorned chair, 
But she, as down the sun-streaked place they came, ^^ 
Cried out, " Haste ! ye, who lead my grief and shame. 
And when she stood before her trembling, said, 
" Although within a palace thou wast bred 
Yet dost thou carry but a slavish heart. 
And fitting is it thou shouldst learn thy part. 
And know the state whereunto thou art brought ; 
Now, heed what yesterday thy folly taught. 
And set thyself to-day my will to do ; ^^ 

Ho ye, bring that which I commanded you. 

Then forth came two, and each upon her back 



264 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

Bore up with pain a huge half-bursten sack, 
Which, setting down, they opened on the floor, 
And from their hempen mouths a stream did pour 
Of mingled seeds, and grain, peas, pulse, and wheat, 
Poppies and millet, and coriander sweet. 
And many another brought from far-off lands, 
Which mingling more with swift and ready hands 
They piled into a heap confused and great. 

And then said Venus, rising from her seat, 
' ' Slave, here I leave thee, but before the night 
These mingled seeds thy hands shall set aright, 
All laid in heaps, each after its own kind, 
And if in any heap I chance to find " ^ . 

An ahen seed ; thou knowest since yesterday '^'* 
How disobedient slaves the forfeit pay." 

Therewith she turned and left the palace fair, 
And from its outskirts rose into the air, 
And flew until beneath her lay the sea, 
Then, looking on its green waves lovingly, 
Somewhat she dropped, and low adown she flew 
Until she reached the temple that she knew 
Within a sunny bay of her fair isle. 

But Psyche sadly laboring all the wMe 
With hopeless heart felt the swift hours go by, 
And knowing well what bitter mockery 
Lay in that task, yet did she what she might 
That something should be finished ere the night, 
And she a little mercy yet might ask ; 
But the first hours of that long feverish task 
Passed amid mocks ; for oft the damsels came 
About her, and made merry with her shame, 
And laughed to see her trembling eagerness, 
And how with some small lappet of her dress 
She winnowed out the wheat, and how she bent 
Over the millet, hopelessly intent ; 
And how she guarded well some tiny heap 
But just begun from their long raiments' sweep ; 
And how herself, with girt gown, carefully 
She went betwixt the heaps that 'gan to he 
Along the floor ; though they were small enow, 
When shadows lengthened and the sun was low ;- 
But at the last these left her laboring, 
Not daring now to weep, lest some small thing 
Should 'scape her blinded eyes, and soon far off 
She heard the echoes of their careless scoff. 



STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE. 265 

Longer the shades grew, quicker sank the sun, 
Until at last the day was wellnigh done, 
And every minute did she think to hear 
The fair Queen's dreaded footsteps drawing near ; 
But Love, that moves the earth and skies and sea, 
Beheld his old love in her misery. 
And wrapped her heart in sudden gentle sleep ; 
And meanwhile caused unnumbered ants to creep 
About her, and they wrought so busily 
That all ere sundown was as it should be, 
And homeward went again the kingless folk. 

Bewildered with her joy again she woke. 
But scarce had time the unseen hands to bless, 
That thus had helped her utter feebleness, 
Ere Venus came, fresh from the watery way, 
Panting with all the pleasure of the day : 
But when she saw the ordered heaps, her smile 
Faded away ; she cried out, " Base and vile 
Thou art indeed, this labor fitteth thee ; 
But now I know thy feigned simplicity. 
Thine inward cunning, therefore hope no more, 
Since thou art furnished well with hidden lore. 
To 'scape thy due reward, if any day 
Without some task accomplished pass away ! " 

So with a frown she passed on, muttering, 
*' Naught have I done, to-morrow a new thing." 

So the next morning Psyche did they lead 
Unto a terrace o'er a flowery mead, 
"Where Venus sat hid from the young sun's rays. 
Upon the fairest of all summer days ; 
She pointed o'er the meads as they drew nigh. 
And said, "See how that stream goes glittering by, 
And on its banks my golden sheep now pass. 
Cropping sweet mouthfuls of the flowery grass ; 
If thou, O cunning slave, to-day art fain 
To save thyself from well-remembered pain. 
Put forth a little of thy hidden skill. 
And with their golden fleece thy bosom fill ; 
Yet make no haste, but ere the sun is down 
Cast it before my feet from out thy gown ; 
Surely thy labor is but light to-day. " 

Then sadly went poor Psyche on her way, 
Wondering wherein the snare lay, for she knew 
No easy thtng it was she had to do ; 
Nor had she failed indeed to note the smile 



266 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Wherewith the goddess praised her for the guile 
That she, unhappy, lacked so utterly. 

Amidst these thoughts she crossed the flowery leaj 
And came unto the glittering river's side ; 
And, seeing it was neither deep nor wide. 
She drew her sandals off, and to the knee 
Girt up her gown, and by a wdllow-tree 
Went down into the water, and but sank 
Up to midleg therein ; but from the bank 
She scarce had gone three steps, before a voice 
Called out to her, " Stay, Psyche, and rejoice 
That I am here to help thee, a poor reed, 
The soother of the loving hearts that bleed, 
The pourer -forth of notes, that oft have made 
The weak man strong and the rash man afraid. 

" Sweet child, when by me now thy dear foot trod, 
I knew thee for the loved one of our god ; 
Then prithee take my counsel in good part ; 
Go to the shore again, and rest thine heart 
In sleep awhile, until the sun get low, 
And then across the river shalt thou go 
And find these evil creatures sleeping fast, 
And on the bushes whereby they have passed 
Much golden wool ; take what seems good to thee, 
And ere the sun sets go back easily. 
But if within that mead thou sett'st thy feet 
While yet they wake, an ill death shalt thou meet, 
For they are of a cursed man-hating race. 
Bred by a giant in a lightless place." 

But at these words soft tears filled Psyche's eyes 
As hope of love within her heart did rise ; 
And when she saw she was not helpless yet 
Her old desire she would not quite forget ; 
But, turning back, upon the bank she lay 
In happy dreams till nigh the end of day ; 
Then did she cross and gather of the wool, 
And with her bosom and her gown-skirt full 
Came back to Venus at the sunsetting ; 
But she afar off saw it glistering 
And cried aloud, " Go, take the slave away, 
And keep her safe for yet another day, 
And on the morning will I think again 
Of some fresh task, since with so little pain 
She doeth what the gods find hard enow ; 
For since the winds were pleased this waif to 'blow 
Unto my door, a fool I were indeed, 
If I should fail to use her for my need. " 



STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE. 267 

So her they led away from that bright sun, 
Now scarce more hopeful that the task was done, 
Since by those bitter words she knew full well 
Another tale the coming day would tell. 

But the next morn upon a turret high, 
Where the wind kissed her raiment lovingly, 
Stood Venus waiting her ; and when she came 
She said, ' ' O slave, thy city's very shame, 
Lift up thy cunning eyes, and looking hence 
Shalt thou behold betwixt these battlements, 
A black and barren mountain set aloof 
From the green hills, shaped like a palace roof. 
Ten leagues from hence it lieth toward the north, 
And from its rocks a fountain welleth forth. 
Black like itself, and floweth down its side. 
And in a while part into Styx doth glide. 
And part into Cocytus runs away ; 
Now coming thither by the end of day. 
Fill me this ewer from the awful stream ; 
Such task a sorceress like thee will deem 
A little matter ; bring it not to pass. 
And if thou be not made of steel or brass. 
To-morrow shalt thou find the bitterest day 
Thou yet hast known, and all be sport and play 
To what thy hea.rt in that hour shall endure — 
Behold, I swear it, and my word is sure 1 " 

She turned therewith to go down toward the sea, 
To meet her lover, who from Thessaly 
Was come from some well-foughten field of war. 

But Psyche, wandering wearily afar. 
Reached the bare foot of that black rock at last. 
And sat there grieving for the happy past. 
For surely now, she thought, no help could be, 
She had but reached the final misery. 
Nor had she any counsel but to weep. 

For not alone the place was very steep, 
And craggy beyond measure, but she knew 
What well it was that she was driven to. 
The dreadful water that the gods swear by, 
For there on either hand, as one draws nigh. 
Are long-necked dragons ready for the spring. 
And many another monstrous nameless thing. 
The very sight of which is wellnigh death ; 
Then the black water as it goes crieth, 



268 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

*^ Fly, wretched one, before you come to die ! 
Die, wretched man ! I will not let you fly ! 
How have you heart to come before me here ? 
You have no heart, your life is turned to fear ! " 
Till the wretch falls adown with whirling brain, 
And far below the sharp rocks end his pain. 

Well then might Psyche wail her wretched fate 
■And strive no more, but sitting weep and wait 
Alone in that black land for kindly death. 
With weary sobbing wasting life and breath ; 
But o'er her head there flew the bird of Jove, 
The bearer of his servant, friend of Love, 
Who, when he saw her, straightway towards her flew, 
And asked her why she wept, and when he knew, 
And who she was, he said, " Cease all thy fear. 
For to the black waves I thy ewer will bear, 
And fill it for thee ; but remember me. 
When thou art come unto thy majesty." 

Then straight he flew, and through the dragon's wings 
Went carelessly, nor feared their clatterings, 
But set the ewer, filled, in her right hand, 
And on that day saw many another land. 

Then Psyche through the night toiled back again, 
And as she went, she thought, " Ah ! all is vain, 
For though once more I just escape indeed, 
Yet hath she many another wile at need ; 
And to these days when I my life first learn 
With unavailing longing shall I turn. 
When this that seemeth now so horrible 
Shall then seem but the threshold of her hell. 
Alas ! what shall I do ? for even now 
In sleep I see her pitiless white brow, 
And hear the dreadful sound of her commands, 
While with my helpless body and bound hands 
I tremble underneath the cruel whips ; 
And oft for dread of her with quivering lips 
I wake, and waking know the time draws nigh 
When naught shall wake me from that misery — 
Behold, O Love, because of thee I live, 
Because of thee with these things still I strive." 



STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE. 269 



NOW with the risen sun her weary feet 
The late-strewn roses of the floor did meet 
Upon the marble threshold of the place ; 
But she being brought before the matchless face, 
Fresh with the new life of another day, 
Beheld her wondering, for the goddess lay 
With half-shut eyes upon her golden bed, 
And when she entered scarcely turned her head, 
But smiling spake, " The gods are good to thee, 
Nor shalt thou always be mine enemy ; 
But one more task I charge thee with to-day, 
For unto Proserpine take thou thy way. 
And give this golden casket to her hands. 
And pray the fair Queen of the gloomy lands 
To fill the void shell with that beauty rare 
That long ago as Queen did set her there ; 
Nor needest thou to fail in this new thing, 
W,ho hast to-day the heart and wit to bring 
This dreadful water, and return alive ; 
And, that thou may'st the more in this thing strive. 
If thou returnest I will show at last 
My kindness unto thee, and all the past 
Shalt thou remember as an ugly dream. " 

And now at first to Psyche did it seem 
Her heart was softening to her, and the thought 
Swelled her full heart to sobbing, and it brought 
Into her yearning eyes half-happy tears : 
But on her way cold thoughts and dreadful fears 
Rose in her heart, for who indeed could teach 
A living soul that dread abode to reach 
And yet return ? and then once more it seemed 
The hope of mercy was but lightly dreamed. 
And she remembered that triumphant smile. 
And needs must think, " This is the final wile, 
Alas ! what trouble must a goddess take 
So weak a thing as this poor heart to break. 

" See now this tower! from off its top will I 
Go quick to Proserpine — ah, good to die ! 
Rather than hear those shameful words again, 
And bear that unimaginable pain 
She has been treasuring up against this day ! 
O Love, farewell, thou seest all hope is dead, 
Thou seest what torments on my wretched head 
Thy bitter mother doth not cease to heap ; 



270 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Farewell, O Love, for thee and life I weep. 
Alas, my foolish heart ! alas, my sin ! 
Alas, for all the love I could not win ! " 

Now was this tower both old enough and gray, 
Built by some king forgotten many a day, 
And no man dwelt there, now that bitter war 
From that bright land had long been driven afar ; 
There now she entered, trembling and afraid ; 
But 'neath her doubtful steps the dust, long laid 
In utter rest, rose up into the air. 
And wavered in the wind that down the stair 
Rushed to the door ; then she drew back a pace, 
Moved by the coldness of the lonely place 
That for so long had seen no ray of sun. 

Then shuddering did she hear these words begun, 
Like a wind's moaning voice, " Have thou no fear 
The hollow words of one long slain to hear ! 
Thou livest, and thy hope is not yet dead. 
And if thou heedest me, thou well may'st tread 
The road to hell, and yet return again. 

" For thou must go o'er many a hill and plain 
Until to Sparta thou art come at last. 
And when the ancient city thou hast passed 
A mountain shalt thou reach, that men now call 
Great Taenarus, that riseth like a wall 
'Twixt plain and upland, therein shalt thou find 
The wide mouth of a cavern huge and blind, 
Wherein there cometh never any sun, 
Whose dreadful darkness all things living shun ; 
This shun thou not, but yet take care to have 
Three honey-cakes thy soul alive to save, 
And in thy mouth a piece of money set, 
Then through the dark go boldly, and forget 
The stories thou hast heard of death and hell, 
And heed my words, and then shall all be well. 

'^ For when thou hast passed though that cavern blind, 
A place of dim gray meadows shalt thou find. 
Wherethrough to inmost hell a path doth lead. 
Which follow thou with diligence and heed ; 
For as thou goest there, thou soon shalt see 
Two men like peasants loading painfully 
A fallen ass ; these unto thee will call 
To help them, but give thou no heed at all, 
But pass them swiftly ; and then soon again 
Within a shed three crones shalt thou see j^lain 



STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE. 271 

Busily weaving, who shall bid thee leave 
The road and fill their shuttles while they weave, 
But slacken not thy steps for all their prayers, 
For these are shadows only, and set snares. 

" At last thou comest to a water wan. 
And at the bank shall be the ferryman 
Surly and gray ; and when he asketh thee 
Of money for thy passage, hastily 
Show him thy mouth, and straight from off thy lip 
The money he will take, and in his ship 
Embark thee and set forward ; but beware. 
For on thy passage is another snare, — 
From out the waves a grisly head shall come, 
Most like thy father thou hast left at home, 
And pray for passage long and piteously, 
But on thy life of him have no pity. 
Else art thou lost ; also thy father lives, 
And in the temples of the high gods gives 
Great daily gifts for thy returning home. 

" When thou unto the other side art come, 
A palace shalt thou see of fiery gold, 
And by the door thereof shalt thou behold 
An ugly triple monster, that shall yell 
For thine undoing ; now behold him well. 
And into each mouth of him cast a cake, 
And no more heed of thee then shall he take, 
And thou may'st pass into a glorious hall 
Where many a wonder hangs upon the wall ; 
But far more wonderful than anything 
The fair slim consort of the gloomy King, 
Arrayed all royally shalt thou behold. 
Who sitting on a carven throne of gold, 
Whene'er thou enterest shall rise up to thee. 
And bid thee welcome there most lovingly, 
And pray thee on a royal bed to sit, 
And share her feast ; yet eat thou not of it. 
But sitting on the ground eat bread alone. 
Then do thy message kneeling by her throne ; 
And when thou hast the gift, return with speed : 
The sleepy dog of thee shall take no heed, 
The feriyman shall bear thee on thy way 
Without more words, and thou shalt see the day 
Unharmed if that dread box thou openest not , 
But if thou dost, then death shall be thy lot. 

** O beautiful, when safe thou com'st again. 



272 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Remember me, who lie here in such pain 
Unburied ; set me in some tomb of stone, 
When thou hast gathered every little bone ; 
But never shalt thou set thereon a name, 
Because my ending was with grief and shame. 
Who was a Queen like thee long years agone, 
And in this tower so long have lain alone." 



Then, pale and full of trouble, Psyche went 
Bearing the casket, and her footsteps bent 
To Lacedaemon, and thence found her way 
To Tsenarus, and there the golden day 
For that dark cavern did she leave behind ; 
Then, going boldly through it, did she find 
The shadowy meads which that \\'ide way ran through 
Under a seeming sky 'twixt gray and blue ; 
.No wind blew there ; there was no bird or tree 
Or beast, and dim gray flowers she did but see 
That never faded in that changeless place. 
And if she had but seen a living face 
Most strange and bright she would have thought it there. 
Or if her own face, troubled yet so fair. 
The still pools by the roadside could have shown, 
The dimness of that place she might have known ; 
But their dull surface cast no image back, 
For all but dreams of light that land did lack. 

So on she passed, still noting everything, 
Nor yet had she forgotten there to bring 
The honey-cakes and money ; in a while 
She saw those shadows striving hard to pile 
The bales upon the ass, and heard them call, 
" O woman, help us ! for our skill is small 
And we are feeble in this place indeed " ; 
But swiftly did she pass, nor gave them heed. 
Though after her from far their cries they sent 

Then a long way adown that road she went, 
Not seeing aught, till, as the Shade had said, 
She came upon three women in a shed 
Busily weaving, who cried, ''Daughter, leave 
The beaten road awhile, and as we weave 
Fill thou our shuttles with these endless threads, 
For here our eyes are sleepy, and our heads 
Are feeble in this miserable place. " 
But for their words she did but mend her pace. 
Although her heart beat quick as she passed by. 



STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE. 273 

Then on she went, until she could espy 
The wan, gray river lap the leaden bank 
Wherefrom there sprouted sparsely sedges rank, 
And there the road had end in that sad boat 
Wherein the dead men unto Minos float ; 
There stood the ferryman, who now, seeing her, said, 
*' O living soul, that thus among the dead 
Hast come, on whatso errand, without fear, 
Know thou that penniless none passes here •, 
Of all the coins that rich men have on earth 
To buy the dreadful folly they call mirth, 
But one they keep when they have passed the grave 
That o'er this stream a passage they may have ; 
And thou, though living, art but dead to me, 
Who here, immortal, see mortality 
Pass, stripped of this last thing that men desire 
Unto the changeless meads or changeless fire." 

Speechless she showed the money on her lip 
Which straight he took, and set her in the ship, 
And then the wretched, heavy oars he threw 
Into the rowlocks and the flood they drew ; 
Silent, with eyes that looked beyond her face, 
He labored, and they left the dreary place. 

But midmost of that water did arise 
A dead man, pale, with ghastly staring eyes 
That somewhat like her father still did seem, 
But in such wise as figures in a dream ; 
Then with a lamentable voice it cried, 
" O daughter, I am dead, and in this tide 
Forever shall I drift, an unnamed thing. 
Who was thy father once, a mighty king. 
Unless thou takest pity on me now, 
And bidd'st the ferryman turn here his prow, 
That I with thee to some abode may cross ; 
And little unto thee will be the loss. 
And unto me the gain will be to come 
To such a place as I may call a home, 
Being now but dead and empty of delight, 
And set in this sad place 'twixt dark and light. " 

Now at these words the tears ran down apace 
For memory of the once familiar face. 
And those old days, wherein a little child 
'Twixt awe and love beneath those eyes she smiled ; 
False pity moved her very heart, although 
The guile of Venus she failed not to know. 
But tighter round the casket clasped her hands, 
18 



274 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

And shut her eyes, remembering the commands 
Of that dead queen : so safe to land she came. 

And there in that gray country, hke a flame 
Before her eyes rose up the house of gold, 
And at the gate she met the beast threefold, 
Who ran to met her open-mouthed, but she 
Unto his jaws the cakes cast cunningly, 
But trembling much ; then on the ground he lay 
Lolling his heads, and let her go her way ; 
And so she came into the mighty hall, 
And saw those wonders hanging on the wall, 
That all with pomegranates was covered o'er 
In memory of the meal on this sad shore, 
Whereby fair Enna was bewept in vain. 
And this became a kingdom and a chain. 

But on a throne, the Queen of all the dead 
She saw therein with gold-embraced head, 
In royal raiment, beautiful and pale ; 
Then with slim hands her face did Psyche veil 
In worship of her, who said, " Welcome here, 
O messenger of Venus ! thou art dear 
To me thyself indeed, for of thy grace 
And loveliness we know e'en in this place ; 
Rest thee then, fair one, on this royal bed 
And with some dainty food shalt thou be fed ; 
Ho, ye who wait, bring in the tables now ! " 

Therewith were brought things glorious of show 
On cloths and tables royally beseen. 
By damsels each one fairer than a queen. 
The very latchets of whose shoes were worth 
The royal crown of any queen on earth ; 
But when upon them Psyche looked, she saw 
That all these dainty matters without flaw 
Were strange of shape and of strange-blended hues, 
So every cup and plate did she refuse 
Those lovely hands brought to her, and she said, 
*' O Queen, to me amidst my awe and dread 
These things are naught, my message is not done, 
So let me rest upon this cold gray stone, 
And while my eyes no higher than thy feet 
Are Hfted, eat the food that mortals eat. " 

Therewith upon the floor she sat her down 
And from the folded bosom of her gown 
Drew forth her bread and ate, while with cold eyes 
Regarding her 'twixt anger and surprise 



STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE, 275 

The Queen sat silent for a while, then spoke, 
" Why art thou here, wisest of living folk ? 
Depart in haste, lest thou shouldst come to be 
Thyself a helpless thing and shadowy ! 
Give me the casket then, thou need'st not say 
Wherefore thou thus hast passed the awful way ; 
Bide there, and for thy mistress shalt thou have 
The charm that beauty from all change can save." 

Then Psyche rose, and from her trembling hand 
Gave her the casket, and awhile did stand 
Alone within the hall, that changing light 
From burning streams, and shadowy waves of night, 
Made strange and dread, till to her standing there 
The world began to seem no longer fair, 
Life no more to be hoped for, but that place 
The peaceful goal of all the hurrying race, 
The house she must return to on some day. 

Then, sighing, scarcely could she turn away 
When with the casket came the Queen once more, 
And said, ' ' Haste now to leave this shadowy shore 
Before thou changest ; even now I see 
Thine eyes are growing strange, thou look'st on me 
E'en as the linnet looks upon the snake. 
Behold, thy wisely guarded treasure take. 
And let thy breath of life no longer move 
The shadows with the memories of past love. " 

But Psyche at that name, with quickened heart 
Turned eagerly, and hastened to depart 
Bearing that burden, hoping for the day ; 
Harmless, asleep, the triple monster lay, 
The ferryman did set her in his boat 
Unquestioned, and together did they float 
Over the leaden water back again : 
Nor saw she more those women bent with pain 
Over their weaving, or the fallen ass, 
But swiftly up the gray road did she pass 
And wellnigh now was come into the day 
By hollow T^narus, but o'er the way 
The wings of Envy brooded all unseen ; 
Because indeed the cruel and fair Queen 
Knew well how she had sped ; so in her breast. 
Against the which the dreadful box was pressed. 
Grew up at last this foolish, harmful thought. 

" Behold how far this beauty I have brought 
To give unto my bitter enemy ; 



276 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

Might I not still a very goddess be 

If this were mine which goddesses desire ; 

Yea, what if this hold swift consuming fire, 

Why do I think it good for me to live, 

That I my body once again may give 

Into her cruel hands — come death ! come life ! 

And give me end to all the bitter strife ! " 

Therewith down by the wayside did she sit 
And turned the box round, long regarding it ; 
But at the last, with trembling hands, undid 
The clasp, and fearfully raised up the lid ; 
But what was there she saw not, for her head 
Fell back, and nothing she remembered 
Of all her life, yet naught of rest she had. 
The hope of which makes hapless mortals glad ; 
. For while her limbs were sunk in deadly sleep 
Most like to death, over her heart 'gan creep 
111 dreams ; so that for fear and great distress 
She would have cried, but in her helplessness 
Could open not her mouth, or frame a word ; 
Although the threats of mocking things she heard. 
And seemed, amidst new forms of horror bound, 
To watch strange endless armies moving round, 
With all their sleepless eyes still fixed on her 
Who from that changeless place should never stir. 
Moveless she lay, and in that dreadful sleep 
Scarce had the strength some few slow tears to weep. 

And there she would have lain forevermore, 
A marble image on the shadowy shore 
In outward seeming, but within oppressed 
With torments, knowing neither hope nor rest ; 
But, as she lay, the Phoenix flew along 
Going to Egypt, and knew all her wrong, 
And pitied her, beholding her sweet face. 
And flew to Love and told him of her case ; 
And Love in guerdon of the tale he told, 
Changed all the feathers of his neck to gold, 
And he flew on to Egypt glad at heart. 
But Love himself gat swiftly for his part 
To rocky T8enarus, and found her there 
Laid half a furlong from the outer air. 

But at that sight out burst the smothered flame 
Of love, when he remembered all her shame. 
The stripes, the labor, and the wretched fear, 



STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE. 277 

And kneeling down he whispered in her ear, 
*' Rise, Psyche, and be mine forevermore, 
For evil is long tarrying on this shore. " 
Then when she heard him, straightway she arose, 
And from her fell the burden of her woes ; 
And yet her heart within her wellnigh broke. 
When she from grief to happiness awoke ; 
And loud her sobbing was in that gray place, 
And with sweet shame she covered up her face. 

But her dear hands, all wet with tears, he kissed, 
And taking them about each little wrist 
Drew them away, and in a sweet voice said, 
'* Raise up again, O Psyche, that dear head. 
And of thy simpleness have no more shame ; 
Thou hast been tried, and cast away all blame 
Into the sea of woes that thou didst bear. 
The bitter pain, the hopelessness, the fear, — 
Holpen a little, loved with boundless love 
Amidst them all, — but now the shadows move 
Fast toward the west, earth's day is wellnigh done, 
One toil thou hast yet ; by to-morrow's sun 
Kneel the last time before my mother's feet. 
Thy task accomplished ; and my heart, O sv\jeet, 
Shall go with thee to ease thy toilsome way : 
Farewell awhile ! but that so glorious day 
I promised thee of old, now cometh fast, 
When even hope thy soul aside shall cast 
Amidst the joy that thou shalt surely win." 

So saying, all that sleep he shut within 
The dreadful casket, and aloft he flew. 
But slowly she unto the cavern drew 
Scarce knowing if she dreamed, and so she came 
Unto the earth where yet the sun did flame 
Low down between the pine-trunks, tall and red. 
And with its last beams kissed her golden head. 



WITH what words Love unto the Father prayed 
I know not, nor what deeds the balance weighed ; 
But this I know, that he prayed not in vain. 
And Psyche's life the heavenly crown shall gain ; 
So round about the messenger was sent 
To tell immortals of their King's intent, 
And bid them gather to the Father's hall. 



278 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

But while they got them ready at his call, 
On through the night was Psyche toiling still, 
To whom no pain nor weariness seemed ill 
Since now once more she knew herself beloved ; 
But when the unresting world again had moved 
Round into golden day, she came again 
To that fair place where she had borne such pain, 
And flushed and joyful in despite her fear. 
Unto the goddess did she draw anear, 
And knelt adown before her golden seat, 
Laying the fatal casket at her feet : 
Then at the first no word the Sea-born said, 
But looked afar over her golden head, 
Pondering upon the mighty deeds of fate ; 
While Psyche still, as one who well may wait, 
Knelt, calm and motionless, nor said a word, 
But ever thought of her sweet lovesome lord. 

At last the Queen said, *' Girl, I bid thee rise, 
For now hast thou found favor in mine eyes ; 
And I repent me of the miseiy 
That in this place thou hast endured of me, 
Although because of it thy joy indeed 
Shall now be more, that pleasure is thy meed." 

Then bending, on the forehead did she kiss 
Fair Psyche, who turned red for shame and bliss ; 
But Venus smiled again on her, and said, 
*' Go now, and bathe, and be as well arrayed 
As thou shouldst be, to sit beside my son ; 
I think thy life on earth is wellnigh done." 

So thence once more was Psyche led away. 
And cast into no prison on that day. 
But brought unto a bath beset with flowers, 
Made dainty with a fount^s sweet-smelling showers, 
And there being bathed, e^en in such fair attire 
As veils the glorious Mother of Desire 
Her limbs were veiled, then in the wavering shade. 
Amidst the sweetest garden was she laid. 
And while the damsels round her watch did keep, 
At last she closed her weary eyes in sleep, 
And woke no more to earth, for ere the day 
Had yet grown late, once more asleep she lay 
Within the West Wind's mighty arms, nor woke 
Until the light of heaven upon her broke. 
And on her trembling lips she felt the kiss 
Of very Love, and mortal yet, for bhss 



STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE, 279 

Must fall a weeping still. Ah, me ! that I, 
Who late have told her woe and misery, 
Must leave untold the joy unspeakable 
That on her tender wounded spirit fell ! 
Alas ! I try to think of it in vain, 
My lyre is but attuned to tears and pain, 
How shall I sing the never-ending day ? 

Led by the hand of Love she took her way 
Unto a vale beset with heavenly trees, 
Where all the gathered gods and goddesses 
Abode her coming ; but when Psyche saw 
The Father^s face, she fainting with her awe 
Had fallen, but that Love's arm held her up. 

Then brought the cupbearer a golden cup, 
And gently set it in her slender hand, 
And while in dread and wonder she did stand, 
The Father's awful voice smote on her ear, 
* ' Drink now, O beautiful, and have no fear ! 
For with this draught shalt thou be born again, 
And live forever free from care and pain." 

Then, pale as privet, took she heart to drink, 
And therewithal most strange new thoughts did think,. 
And unknown feelings seized her, and there came 
Sudden remembrance, vivid as a flame, 
Of everything that she had done on earth, 
Although it all seemed changed in weight and worth. 
Small things becoming great, and great things small ; 
And godlike pity touched her therewithal 
For her old self, for sons of men that die ; 
And that sweet new-born immortality 
Now with full love her rested spirit fed. 

Then in that concourse did she lift her head, 
And stood at last a very goddess there, 
And all cried out at seeing her grown so fair. 

So while in heaven quick passed the time away, 
About the ending of that lovely day. 
Bright shone the low sun over all the earth 
For joy of such a wonderful new birth. 



28o THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 



OR e'er his tale was done, night held the earth ; 
Yea, the brown bird grown bold, as sounds of mirth 
Grew faint and scanty, now his tale had done, 
And by his mate abode the next day's smi ; ^ 

And in those old hearts did the story move 
Remembrance of the mighty deeds of love, 
And with these thoughts did hopes of life arise, 
Till tears unseen were in their ancient eyes, 
And in their yearning hearts unspoken prayers, 
And idle seemed the world with all its cares. 

Few words they said ; the balmy odorous wind 
\Yandered about, some resting-place to find ; 
The young leaves rustled 'neath its gentle breath, 
And here and there some blossom burst his sheath, 
Adding unnoticed fragrance to the night ; 
But, as they pondered, a new golden light 
Streamed over the green garden, and they heard 
Sweet voices sing some ancient poet's word 
In praise of May, and then in sight there came 
The minstrels' figures underneath the flame 
Of scented torches passing 't\vixt the trees. 
And soon the dusky hall grew bright with these, 
And therewithal they put all thought away, 
And midst the tinkling harps drank deep to May.' 



THROUGH many changes had the May-tide passed, 
The hope of summer oft had been o'ercast. 
Ere midst the gardens they once more were met ; 
But now the full-leaved trees might well forget 
The changeful agony of doubtful spring, 
For summer pregnant with so many a thing 
Was at the door ; right hot had been the day 
Which they amid the trees had passed away, 
And now betwixt the tulip-beds they went 
Unto the hall, and thoughts of days long spent 
Gathered about them, as some blossom's smell 
Unto their hearts familiar tales did tell. 

But when they well were settled in the hall. 
And now behind the trees the sun 'gan fall, 
And they as yet no histor)^ had heard, 



STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE. 281 

Laurence, the Swabian priest, took up the word, 

And said, " Ye know from what has gone before, 

That in my youth I followed mystic lore, 

And many books I read in seeking it, 

And through my memory this same eve doth flit 

A certain tale I found in one of these, 

Long ere mine eyes had looked upon the seas ; 

It made me shudder in the times gone by. 

When I believed in many a mysteiy 

I thought divine, that now I think, forsooth, 

Men's o^^al fears made, to fill the place of truth 

Within their foolish hearts ; short is the tale, 

And therefore will the better now avail 

To fill the space before the night comes on, 

And unto rest once more the world is won. 



THE WRITING ON THE IMAGE. 



ARGUMENT. 

How on an Image that stood anciently in Rome were written certain 
words, which none understood, until a scholar, coming there, knew their 
meaning, and thereby discovered great marvels, but withal died miser- 
ably. 

IN half-forgotten days of old, 
As by our fathers we were told, 
Within the town of Rome there stood 
An image cut of cornel-wood. 
And on the upraised hand of it 
Men might behold these letters writ — 
'' Percute hic " : which is to say, 
In that tongue that we speak to-day, 
^'Strike here ! " nor yet did any know 
The cause why this was written so. 

Thus in the middle of the square, 
In the hot sun and summer air, 
The snow-drift and the driving rain, 
That image stood, with little pain, 
For twice a hundred years and ten ; 
"While many a band of striving men 
Were driven betwixt woe and mirth 
Swiftly across the weary earth, 
From nothing unto dark nothing : 
And many an Emperor and King, 
Passing with glory or with shame, 
Left little record of his name, 
And no remembrance of the face 
Once watched with awe for gifts or grace. 

Fear little, then, I counsel you. 
What any son of man can do ; 
Because a log of wood will last 
While many a life of man goes past, 
And all is over in short space. 



THE WRITING ON THE IMAGE, 283 

Now so it chanced that to this place 
There came a man of Sicily, 
Who, when the image he did see, 
Knew full well who, in days of yore, 
Had set it there ; for much strange lore, 
In Egypt and in Babylon, 
This man with painful toil had won ; 
And many secret things could do ; 
So verily full well he knew 
That master of all sorcery 
Who wrought the thing in days gone by, 
And doubted not that some great spell 
It guarded, but could nowise tell 
What it might be. So, day by day, 
Still would he loiter on the way, 
And watch the image carefully. 
Well mocked of many a passer-by. 

And on a day he stood and gazed 
Upon the slender finger, raised 
Against a doubtful cloudy sky. 
Nigh noontide ; and thought, " Certainly 
The master who made thee so fair 
By wondrous art, had not stopped there, 
But made thee speak, had he not thought 
That thereby evil might be brought 
Upon his spell. " But as he spoke. 
From out a cloud the noon sun broke 
With watery light, and shadows cold : 
Then did the Scholar well behold 
How, from that finger carved to tell 
Those words, a short black shadow fell 
Upon a certain spot of ground. 
And thereon, looking all around 
And seeing none heeding, went straightway 
Whereas the finger's shadow lay. 
And with his knife about the place 
A little circle did he trace ; 
Then home he turned with throbbing head, 
And forthright gat him to his bed. 
And slept until the night was late 
And few men stirred from gate to gate. 

So when at midnight he did wake, 
Pickaxe and shovel did he take. 
And, going to that now silent square. 
He found the mark his knife made there, 
And quietly witli many a stroke 



284- THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

The pavement of the place he broke : 
And so, the stones being set apart, 
He 'gan to dig with beating heart. 
And from the hole in haste he cast 
The marl and gi-avel ; till at last. 
Full shoulder high, his arms were jarred, 
For suddenly his spade struck hard 
With clang against some metal thing : 
And soon he found a brazen ring, 
All green with rust, t\^dsted, and great 
As a man's wrist, set in a plate 
Of copper, wrought all curiously 
With words unknown though plain to see 
Spite of the rust ; and flowering trees, 
And beasts, and ^\'icked images, 
Whereat he shuddered ; for he knew 
What ill things he might come to do, 
If he should still take part ^^■ith these 
And that Great Master strive to please. 

But small time had he then to stand 
And think, so straight he set his hand 
Unto the ring, but where he thought 
That by main strength it must be brought 
From out its place, lo ! easily 
It came away, and let him see 
A winding staircase wrought of stone. 
Wherethrough the new-come ^^^ind did moan. 

Then thought he, " If I come alive 
From out this place well shall I thrive, 
For I may look here certainly 
The treasures of a king to see, 
A mightier man than men are now. 
So in few days what man shall know 
The needy Scholar, seeing me 
Great in the place where great men be, 
The richest man in all the land ? 
Beside the best then shall I stand, 
And some unheard-of palace have ; 
And if my soiil I may not save 
In heaven, yet here in all men's eyes 
Will I make some sweet paradise. 
With marble cloisters, and wdth trees 
And bubbling wells, and fantasies. 
And things all men deem strange and rare. 
And crowds of women kind and fair, 
That I may see, if so I please, 



THE WRITING ON THE IMAGE, 285 

Laid on the flowers, or mid the trees 
With half- clad bodies wandering. 
There, dwelling happier than the King, 
What lovely days may yet be mine ! 
How shall I live with love and wine, 
And music, till I come to die ! 
And then — Who knoweth certainly 
What haps to us when we are dead ? 
Truly I think by likelihead 
Naught haps to us of good or bad ; 
Therefore on earth will I be glad 
A short space, free from hope or fear ; 
And fearless will I enter here 
And meet my fate, whatso it be." 

Now on his back a bag had he, 
To bear what treasure he might win, 
And therewith now did he begin 
To go adown the winding stair ; 
And found the walls all painted fair 
With images of many a thing, 
Warrior and priest, and queen and king. 
But nothing knew what they might be. 
Which things full clearly could he see, 
For lamps were hung up here and there 
Of strange device, but wrought right fair. 
And pleasant savor came from them. 

At last a curtain, on whose hem 
Unknown words in red gold were writ. 
He reached, and softly raising it 
Stepped back, for now did he behold 
A goodly hall hung round with gold, 
And at the upper end could see 
Sitting, a glorious company : 
Therefore he trembled, thinking well 
They were no men, but fiends of hell. 
But while he waited, trembling sore. 
And doubtful of his late -learned lore, 
A cold blast of the outer air 
Blew out the lamps upon the stair 
And all was dark behind him ; then 
Did he fear less to face those men 
Than, turning round, to leave them there 
While he went groping up the stair. 
Yea, since he heard no cry or call 
Or any speech from them at all, 



286 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

He doubted they were images 

Set there some dying king to please 

By that Great Master of the art ; 

Therefore at last with stouter heart 

He raised the cloth and entered in 

In hope that happy life to win, 

And dra\^'ing nigher did behold 

That these were bodies dead and cold 

Attired in full royal guise, 

And wrought by art in such a wise 

That li^^ng they all seemed to be, 

Whose ver}' eyes he well could see, 

That iTQw beheld not foul or fair. 

Shining as though alive they were. 

And midmost of that company 

An ancient king that man could see, 

A might}' man, whose beard of gray 

A foot over his gold gown lay ; 

And next beside him sat his queen 

Who in a floweiy gown of green 

And golden mantle well was clad. 

And on her neck a collar had 

Too hea^y for her dainty breast ; 

Her loins by such a belt were pressed 

That whoso in his treasury' 

Held that alone, a king might be. 

On either side of these, a lord 

Stood heedfully before the board. 

And in their hands held bread and wine 

For ser\'ice ; behmd these did shine 

The armor of the guards, and then 

The well-attired ser\-ing-men, 

The minstrels clad in raiment meet ; 

And over against the royal seat 

Was hung a lamp, although no flame 

Was burning there, but there was set 

Within its open golden fret 

A huge carbuncle, red and bright ; 

Wherefrom there shone forth such a light 

That great hall was as clear by it. 

As though by wax it had been lit. 

As some great church at Easter-time. 

Now set a Httle way aside, 
Six paces from the da'is stood 
An image made of brass and wood, 
In likeness of a full-armed knight 



THE WRITING ON THE IMAGE. 287 

Who pointed 'gainst the ruddy Hght 
A huge shaft ready m a bow. 

Pondering how he could come to know 
What all these marvellous matters meant, 
About tlie hall the Scholar went, 
Trembling, though nothing moved as yet ; 
And for a while did he forget 
The longings that had brought him there 
In wondering at these marvels fair ; 
And still for fear he doubted much 
One jewel of their robes to touch. 

But as about the hall he passed 
He grew more used to them at last, 
And thought, "Swiftly the time goes by, 
And now no doubt the day draws nigh 
• Folk will be stirring ; by my head 
A fool I am to fear the dead, 
Who have seen living things enow. 
Whose very names no man can know, 
Whose shapes brave men might well affright 
More than the lion in the night 
Wandering for food " ; therewith he drew 
Unto those royal corpses two. 
That on dead brows still wore the crown ; 
And midst the golden cups set down 
The rugged wallet from his back. 
Patched of strong leather, brown and black. 
Then, opening wide its mouth, took up 
From off the board, a golden cup 
The King's dead hand was laid upon, 
Whose unmoved eyes upon him shone 
And recked no more of that last shame 
Than if he were the beggar lame. 
Who in old days was wont to wait 
For a dog's meal beside the gate. 

Of which shame naught our man did reck, 
But laid his hand upon the neck 
Of the slim Queen, and thence undid 
The jewelled collar, that straight slid 
Down her smooth bosom to the board. 
And when these matters he had stored 
Safe in his sack, with both their crowns, 
The jewelled parts of their rich gowns. 
Their shoes and belts, brooches and rmgs, 
And cleared the board of all rich things. 



288 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

He staggered with them down the hall. 
But as he went his eyes did fall 
Upon a wonderful green stone, 
Upon the hall-floor laid alone ; 
He said, * ' Though thou art not so great 
To add by much unto the weight 
Of this my sack indeed, yet thou, 
Certes, would make me rich enow, 
That verily wdth thee I might 
Wage one half of the world to fight 
The other half of it, and I 
The lord of all the world might die ; — 
I will not leave thee " ; therewithal 
He knelt down midmost of the hall, 
Thinking it would come easily 
Into his hand ; but when that he 
Gat hold of it, full fast it stack, 
So fuming, down he laid his sack, 
And with both hands pulled lustily. 
But as he strained, he cast his eye 
Unto the dais, and saw there 
The image who the great bow bare 
Moving the bowstring to his ear. 
So, shrieking out aloud for fear. 
Of that rich stone he loosed his hold 
And catching up his bag of gold, 
Gat to his feet : but ere he stood, 
The evil thing of brass and wood 
Up to his ear the notches drew ; 
And clanging forth the arrow flew. 
And midmost of the carbuncle 
Clanging again, the forked barbs fell. 
And all was dark as pitch straightway. 

So there until the judgment day 
Shall come and find his bones laid low. 
And raise them up for weal or woe. 
This man must bide ; cast down he lay 
While all his past life day by day 
In one short moment he could see 
Laid out before him, while that he 
In terror by that fatal stone 
Was laid, and scarcely dared to moan. 
But in a while his hope returned. 
And then, though nothing he discerned. 
He gat him up upon his feet. 



THE WRITING ON THE IMAGE. 289 

And all about the walls he beat 
To find some token of the door, 
But never could he find it more, 
For by some dreadful sorcery- 
All was sealed close as it might be, 
And midst the marvels of that hall 
This Scholar found the end of all. 

But in the town on that same night, 
An hour before the dawn of light, 
Such storm upon the place there fell, 
That not the oldest man could tell 
Of such another : and thereby 
The image was burnt utterly, 
Being stricken from the clouds above ; 
And folk deemed that same bolt did move 
The pavement where that wretched one 
Unto his foredoomed fate had gone, 
Because the plate was set again 
Into its place, and the great rain 
Washed the earth down, and sorcery 
Had hid the place where it did lie. 

So soon the stones were set all straight, 
But yet the folk, afraid of fate. 
Where once the man of cornel-wood 
Through many a year of bad and good 
Had kept his place, set up alone 
Great Jove himself, cut in white stone, 
But thickly overlaid with gold. 
*' Which," saith my tale, "you may behold 
Unto this day, although indeed 
Some lord or other, being in need, 
Took every ounce of gold away. " 

But now, this tale in some past day 
Being writ, I warrant all is gone, 
Both gold and weather-beaten stone. 



Be meriy, masters, while ye may, 
or men much quicker pass away. 



19 



290 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 



THEY praised the tale, and for awhile they talked 
Of other tales of treasure-seekers balked, 
And shame and loss for men insatiate stored, 
Nitocris' tomb, the Niflungs' fatal hoard, 
The serpent-guarded treasures of the dead ; 
Then of how men would be remembered 
When they are gone ; and more than one could tell 
Of what unhappy things therefrom befel ; 
Or how by folly men have gained a name — 
A name indeed, not hallowed by the fame 
Of any deeds remembered ; and some thought, 
" Strange hopes and fears for what shall be but naught 
To dead men ! better it would be to give 
What things they may, while on the earth they live 
Unto the earth, and from the bounteous earth 
To take their pay of sorrow or of mirth, 
Hatred or love, and get them on their way ; 
And let the teeming earth fresh troubles make 
For other men, and ever for their sake 
Use what they left, when they are gone from it. " 

But while amid such musings they did sit. 
Dark night being come, men lighted up the hall, 
And the chief man for minstrelsy did call, 
And other talk their dull thoughts chased away. 
Nor did they part till night was mixed with day. 



JUNE. 



OJUNE, O June, that we desired so, 
Wilt thou not make us happy on this day ? 
Across the river thy soft breezes blow 
Sweet with the scent of beanfields far away, 
Above our heads rustle the aspens gray. 
Calm is the sky with harmless clouds beset. 
No thought of storm the morning vexes yet. 

See, we have left our hopes and fears behind 
To give our very hearts up unto thee ; 
What better place than this could we find 
By this sweet stream that knows not of the sea, 
That guesses not the city's misery. 
This little stream whose hamlets scarce have names, 
This far-off, lonely mother of the Thames ? 

Here then, O June, thy kindness will we take ; 
And if indeed but pensive men we seem, 
What should we do ? thou wouldst not have us wake 
From out the arms of this rare happy dream, 
And wish to leave the murmur of the stream, 
The rustling boughs, the twitter of the birds, 
And all thy thousand peaceful happy words. 



NOW in the early June they deemed it good 
That they should go unto a house that stood 
On their chief river, so upon a day 
With favoring vdnd and tide they took their way 
Up the fair stream ; most lovely was the time 
Even amidst the days of that fair clime, 
And still the wanderers thought about their lives, 
And that desire that rippling water gives 
To youthful hearts to wander anywhere. 

So midst sweet sights and sounds a house most fair 
They came to, set upon the river-side 



293 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

Where kindly folk their coming did abide ; 

There they took land, and in the lime-trees' shade 

Beneath the trees they found the fair feast laid, 

And sat, well-pleased ; but when the water-hen 

Had got at last to think them harmless men, 

And they with rest, and pleasure, and old wine, 

Began to feel immortal and divine, 

An elder spoke, " O gentle friends, the day 

Amid such calm delight now slips away, 

And ye yourselves are grown so bright and glad, 

I care not if I tell you something sad ; 

Sad, though the life I tell you of passed by, 

Unstained by sordid strife or misery ; 

Sad, because though a glorious end it tells 

Yet on the end of glorious life it dwells, 

And striving through all things to reach the best 

Upon no midway happiness will rest. " 



THE LOVE OF ALCESTIS. 



ARGUMENT. 

A.DMETUS, King of Pherae in Thessaly, received unwittingly Apollo as his 
servant, by the help of whom he won to wife Alcestis, daughter of Pe- 
lias : afterwards too, as in other things, so principally in this, Apollo 
gave him help, that when he came to die, he obtained of the Fates for 
him, that if another would die willingly in his stead, then he should live 
still ; and when to every one else this seemed impossible, Alcestis gave 
her life for her husband's. 

MIDST sunny grass-clad meads that slope adown 
To Lake Boebeis stands an ancient town, 
Where dwelt of old a lord of Thessaly, 
The son of Pheres and fair Clymene, 
"Who had to name Admetus : long ago 
The dwellers by the lake have ceased to know 
His name, because the world grows old, but then 
He was accounted great among great men ; 
Young, strong, and godlike, lacking naught at all 
Of gifts that unto royal men might fall 
In those old simple days, before men went 
To gather unseen harm and discontent. 
Along with all the alien merchandise 
That rich folk need, too restless to be wise. 

Now on the fairest of all autumn eves, 
"When midst the dusty, crumpled, dying leaves 
The black grapes showed, and every press and vat 
"Was newly scoured, this King Admetus sat 
Among his people, wearied in such wise 
By hopeful toil as makes a paradise 
Of the rich earth ; for light and far away 
Seemed all the labor of the coming day. 
And no man wished for more than then he had, 
Nor with another's mourning was made glad. 
There in the pillared porch, their supper done, 
They watched the fair departing of the sun ; 
The while the soft-eyed well-girt maidens poured 
The joy of life from out the jars long stored 
Deep in the earth, while little like a king, 



294 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

As we call kings, but glad with everything, 
The wise Thessalian sat and blessed his life, 
So free from sickening fear and foolish strife. 

But midst the joy of this festivity, 
Turning aside he saw a man draw nigh. 
Along the dusty gray vine-bordered road 
That had its ending at his fair abode ; 
He seemed e'en from afar to set his face 
Unto the King's adorned reverend place, 
And like a traveller went he wearily. 
And yet as one who seems his rest to see. 
A staff he bore, but nowise was he bent 
With scrip or wallet ; so withal he went 
Straight to the King's high seat, and, standing near, 
Seemed a stout youth and noble, free from fear. 
But peaceful and unarmed ; and though ill clad, 
And though the dust of that hot land he had 
Upon his limbs and face, as fair was he 
As any king's son you might lightly see. 
Gray-eyed and crisp-haired, beautiful of limb, 
And no ill eye the women cast on him. 

But kneeling now, and stretching forth his hand, 
He said, " O thou, the King of this fair land, 
Unto a banished man some shelter give, 
And help me with thy goods that I may live : 
Thou hast good store, Admetus, yet may I, 
Who kneel before thee now in misery, 
Give thee more gifts before the end shall come 
Than all thou hast laid safely in thine home. " 

" Rise up, and be my guest," Admetus said, 
'' I need no gifts for this poor gift of bread. 
The land is wide and bountiful enow. 
What thou canst do, to-morrow thou shalt show, 
And be my man, perchance ; but this night rest 
Not questioned more than any passing guest. 
Yea, even if a great king thou hast spilt, 
Thou shall not answer aught but as thou wilt." 

Then the man rose and said, " O King, indeed 
Of thine awarded silence have I need, 
Nameless I am, nameless what I have done 
Must be through many circles of the sun. 
But for to-morrow — let me rather tell 
On this same eve what things I can do well. 
And let me put mine hand in thine and swear 
To serve thee faithfully a changing year ; 
Nor think the woods of Ossa hold one beast 



THE LOVE OF ALCESTIS. 295 

That of thy tenderest yearling shall make feast, 
Whiles that I guard thy flocks, and thou shalt bear 
Thy troubles easier when thou com'st to hear 
The music I can make. Let these thy men 
Witness against me if I fail thee, when 
War falls upon thy lovely land and thee. " 

Then the King smiled, and said, " So let it be, 
Well shalt thou serve me, doing far less than this, 
Nor for thy service due gifts shalt thou miss : 
Behold I take thy faith with thy right hand. 
Be thou true man unto this guarded land. 
Ho ye ! take this my guest, find raiment meet 
To clad him with, and bathe his wearied feet. 
Then bring him back beside my throne to feast." 

But to himself he said, " I am the least 
Of all Thessalians if this man was born 
In any earthly dwelling more forlorn 
Than a king's palace." 

Then a damsel slim 
Let him inside, naught loath to go with him. 
And when the cloud of steam had curled to meet 
Within the brass his wearied dusty feet, 
She from a carved press brought him linen fair, 
And a new- woven coat a king might wear. 
And so being clad he came unto the feast. 
But as he came again, all people ceased 
What talk they held soever, for they thought 
A very god among them had been brought ; 
And doubly glad the King Admetus was 
At what that dying eve had brought to pass, 
And bade him sit by him and feast his fill. 

So there they sat till all the world was still, 
And 'twixt the pillars their red torches' shine 
Held forth unto the night a joyous sign. 



SO henceforth did this man at Pherse dwell. 
And what he set his hand to wrought right well. 
And won much praise and love in everything, 
And came to rule all herdsmen of the King ; 
But for two things in chief his fame did grow ; 
And first that he was better with the bow 
Than any 'twixt Olympus and the sea. 
And then that sweet, heart-piercing melody 



296 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

He drew out from the rigid-seeming lyre, 

And made the circle round the winter fire 

More like to heaven than gardens of the May. 

So many a heavy thought he chased away 

From the King's heart, and softened many a hate, 

And choked the spring of many a harsh debate ; 

And, taught by wounds, the snatchers of the wolds 

Lurked round the gates of less well-guarded folds. 

Therefore Admetus loved him, yet withal. 

Strange doubts and fears upon his heart did fall ; 

For morns there were when he the man would meet, 

His hair wreathed round with bay and blossoms sweet, 

Gazing distraught into the brightening east, 

Nor taking heed of either man or beast, 

Or anything that was upon the earth. 

Or sometimes midst the hottest of the mirth, 

Within the King's hall, would he seem to wake 

As from a dream, and his stringed tortoise take 

And strike the chords unbidden, till the hall 

Filled with the glorious sound from wall to wall, 

Trembled and seemed as it would melt away. 

And sunken down the faces weeping lay 

That erewhile laughed the loudest ; only he 

Stood upright, looking forward steadily 

With sparkling eyes as one who cannot weep, 

Until the storm of music sank to sleep. 

But this thing seemed the doubtfullest of all 
Unto the King, that should there chance to fall 
A festal day, and folk did sacrifice 
Unto the gods, ever by some device 
The man would be away : yet with all this 
His presence doubled all Admetus' bliss. 
And happy in all things he seemed to live, 
And great gifts to his herdsman did he give. 

But now the year came round again to spring, 
And southward to lolchos went the King ; 
For there did Pelias hold a sacrifice 
Unto the gods, and put forth things of price 
For men to strive for in the people's sight \ 
So on a morn of April, fresh and bright, 
Admetus shook the golden-studded reins, 
And soon from windings of the sweet-banked lanes 
The south wind blew the sound of hoof and wheel, 
Clatter of brazen shields and clink of steel 



THE LOVE OF ALCESTIS. 297 

Unto the herdsman's ears, who stood awhile 
Hearkening the echoes with a godhke smile, 
Then slowly gat him foldwards, murmuring, 
" Fair music for the wooing of a King." 

But in six days again Admetus came, 
"With no lost labor or dishonored name ; 
A scarlet cloak upon his back he bare 
A gold crown on his head, a falchion fair 
Girt to his side ; behind him four white steeds, 
Whose dams had fed full in Nisaean meads ; 
All prizes that his valiant hands had won 
Within the guarded lists of Tyro's son. 
Yet midst the sound of joyous minstrelsy 
No joyous man in truth he seemed to be ; 
So that folk looking on him said, " Behold, 
The wise King will not show himself too bold 
Amidst his greatness : the gods too are great, 
And who can tell the dreadful w^ays of fate." 

Howe'er it was, he gat him through the town. 
And midst their shouts at last he lighted down 
At his own house, and held high feast that night ; 
And yet by seeming had but small delight 
In aught that any man could do or say : 
And on the morrow, just at dawn of day, 
Rose up and clad himself, and took his spear, 
And in the fresh and blossom-scented air 
Went wandering till he reach Boebeis' shore ; 
Yet by his troubled face set little store 
By all the songs of birds and scent of flowers ; 
Yea, rather unto him the fragrant hours 
Were grown but dull and empty of delight. 

So going, at the last he came in sight 
Of his new herdsman, who that morning lay 
Close by the white sand of a little bay 
The teeming ripple of Boebeis lapped ; 
There he, in cloak of white-wooUed sheepskin wrapped 
Against the cold dew, free from trouble sang. 
The while the heifers' bells about him rang 
And mingled with the sweet soft-throated birds 
And bright fresh ripple : listen, then, these words 
Will tell the tale of his felicity. 
Halting and void of music though they be. 



298 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 



o 



Song. 

DWELLERS on the lovely earth, 
Why will ye break your rest and mirth 

To weary us with fruitless prayer ; 

Why will ye toil and take such care 

For children's children yet unborn, 

And garner store of strife and scorn 

To gain a scarce-remembered name, 

Cumbered with lies and soiled with shame ? 

And if the gods care not for you, 

What is this folly ye must do 

To win some mortal's feeble heart ? 

O fools ! when each man plays his part, 

And heeds his fellow little more 

Than these blue waves that kiss the shore, 

Take heed of how the daisies grow. 

O fools ! and if ye could but know 

How fair a world to you is given. 

O brooder on the hills of heaven. 
When for my sin thou dravj[^t me forth, 
Hadst th"Du forgot what this was worth, 
Thine own hand made ? The tears of men, 
The death of threescore years and ten, 
The trembling of the timorous race, — 
Had these things so bedimmed the place 
Thine own hand made, thou couldst not know 
To what a heaven the earth might grow 
If fear beneath the earth were laid, 
If hope failed not, nor love decayed. 

He stopped, for he beheld his wandering lord, 
Who, drawing near, heard little of his word. 
And noted less ; for in that haggard mood 
Naught could he do but o'er his sorrows brood, 
Whate'er they were, but now being come anigh, 
He lifted up his drawn face suddenly, 
And, as the singer gat him to his feet. 
His eyes Admetus' troubled eyes, did meet. 
As with some speech he .now seemed laboring, 
Which from his heart his lips refused to bring. 
Then spoke the herdsman, " Master, what is this. 
That thou, returned with honor to the bliss 



THE LOVE OF ALCESTIS, 299 

The gods have given thee here, still makest show 
To be some wretch bent with the weight of woe ? 
What wilt thou have ? What help there is in me 
Is w^holly thine, for in felicity 
Within thine house thou still hast let me live, 
Nor grudged most noble gifts to me to give. " 

*' Yea," said Admetus, ** thou canst help indeed, 
But as the spring shower helps the unsown mead. 
Yet listen : at lolchos the first day 
Unto Diana's house I took my way, 
Where all men gathered ere the games began. 
There, at the right side of the royal man, 
Who rules lolchos, did his daughter stand, 
Who with a suppliant bough in her right hand 
Headed the band of maidens ; but to me 
More than a goddess did she seem to be. 
Nor fit to die ; and therewithal I thought 
That we had all been thither called for naught 
But that her bridegroom Pelias might choose, 
And with that thought desire did I let loose, 
And striving not with Love, I gazed my fill, 
As one who will not fear the coming ill : 
Ah, foohsh were mine eyes, foolish my heart, 
To strive in such a marvel to have part ! 
What god shall wed her rather ? no more fear 
Than vexes Pallas vexed her forehead clear, 
Faith shone from out her eyes, and on her lips 
Unknown love trembled ; the Phoenician ships 
Within their dark holds naught so precious bring 
As her soft golden hair, no daintiest thing 
I ever saw was half so wisely wrought 
As was her rosy ear ; beyond all thought, 
All words to tell of, her veiled body showed. 
As, by the image of the Three-formed bowed. 
She laid her offering down ; then I, drawn near, 
The murmuring of her gentle voice could hear, 
As waking one hears music in the morn. 
Ere yet the fair June sun is fully born ; 
And sweeter than the roses fresh with dew 
Sweet odors floated round me, as she drew 
Some golden thing from out her balmy breast 
With her right hand, the while her left hand pressed 
The hidden wonders of her girdlestead ; 
And when abashed I sank adown my head. 
Dreading the god of Love, my eyes must meet 
The happy bands about her perfect feet. 



300 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

'' What more ? thou know'st perchance what thing love is ? 
Kindness, and hot desire, and rage, and bliss, 
None first a moment ; but before that day- 
No love I knew but what might pass away 
When hot desire was changed to certainty. 
Or not abide much longer ; e'en such stings 
Had smitten me, as the first warm day brings 
When March is dying ; but now half a god 
The crowded way unto the lists I trod. 
Yet hopeless as a vanquished god at whiles, 
And hideous seemed the laughter and the smiles 
And idle talk about me on the way. 

' ' But none could stand before me on that day, 
I was as god-possessed, not knowing how 
The King had brought her forth but for a show, 
To make his glory greater through the land : 
Therefore at last victorious I did stand 
Among my peers, nor yet one well-known name 
Had gathered any honor from my shame. 
For there indeed both men of Thessaly, 
CEtolians, Thebans, dwellers by the sea, 
And folk of Attica and Argolis, 
Arcadian woodmen, islanders, whose bliss 
Is to be tossed about from wave to wave. 
All these at last to me the honor gave. 
Nor did they grudge it : yea, and one man said, 
A wise Thessalian with a snowy head, 
And voice grown thin with age, ' O Pelias, 
Surely to thee no evil thing it was 
That to thy house this rich Thessalian 
Should come, to prove himself a valiant man 
Amongst these heroes ; for if I be wise 
By dint of many years, with wistful eyes 
Doth he behold thy daughter, this fair maid ; 
And surely, if the matter were well weighed, 
Good were it both for thee and for the land 
That he should take the damsel by the hand 
And lead her hence, for ye near neighbors dwell ? 
What sayest thou, King, have I said ill or well ? 

." With that must I, a fool, stand forth and ask 
If yet there lay before me some great task 
That I must do ere I the maid should wed. 
But Pelias, looking on us, smiled and said, 
' O neighbor of Larissa, and thou too, 
O King Admetus, this may seem to you 
A little matter ; yea, and for my part 



THE LOVE OF ALCESTIS, 301 

E'en such a marriage would make glad my heart ; 

But, we the blood of Salmoneus who share, 

With godlike gifts great burdens also bear, 

Nor is this maid without them, for the day 

On which her maiden zone she puts away 

Shall be her death-day, if she wed with one 

By whom this marvellous thing may not be done, 

For in the traces neither must steeds paw 

Before my threshold, or white oxen draw 

The wain that comes my maid to take from me, 

Far other beasts that day her slaves must be : 

The yellow lion 'neath the lash must roar, 

And by his side unscared the forest boar 

Toil at the draught : what sayest thou then hereto, 

lord of Pherae, wilt thou come to woo 
In such a chariot, and win endless fame, 

Or turn thine eyes elsewhere with little shame ? ' 
'' What answered I ? O herdsman, I was mad 
With sweet love and the triumph I had had. 

1 took my father's ring from off my hand. 
And said, ' O heroes of the Grecian land 
Be witnesses that on my father's name 

For this man's promise, do I take the shame 
Of this deed undone, if I fail herein ; 
Fear not, O Pelias, but that I shall win 
This ring from thee, when that I come again 
Through fair lolchos, driving that strange wain. 
Else by this token, thou, O King, shalt have 
Pherae my home, while on the tumbling wave 
A holl(5w ship my sad abode shall be. ' 

'* So driven by some hostile deity, 
Such words I said, and with my gifts hard won, 
But little valued now, set out upon 
My homeward way : but nearer as I drew 
To mine abode, and ever fainter grew 
In my weak heart the image of my love, 
In vain with fear my boastful folly strove ; 
For I remembered that no god I was 
Though I had chanced my fellows to surpass ; 
And I began to mind me in a while 
What murmur rose, with what a mocking smile 
Pelias stretched out his hand to take the ring. 
Made by my drunkard's gift now twice a king : 
And when unto my palace door I came 
I had awakened fully to my shame ; 
For certainly no help is left to me. 



02 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

But I must get me down unto the sea 
And build a keel, and whatso things I may 
Set in her hold, and cross the watery way 
Whither Jove bids, and the rough winds may blow 
Unto a land where none my folly know, 
And there begin a weary life anew. " 

Eager and bright the herdsman's visage grew 
The while this tale was told, and at the end 
He said, ** Admetus, I thy life may mend, 
And thou at lovely Pherse still may dwell ; 
Wait for ten days, and then may all be well, 
And thou to fetch thy maiden home may go, 
And to the King thy team unheard-of show. 
And if not, then make ready for the sea 
Nor will I fail indeed to go with thee, 
And 'twixt the halyards and the ashen oar 
Finish the service well begun ashore ; 
But meanwhile do I bid thee hope the best ; 
And take another herdsman for the rest, 
For unto Ossa must I go alone 
To do a deed not easy to be done. " 

Then springing up he took his spear and bow. 
And northward by the lake-shore 'gan to go ; 
But the King gazed upon him as he went, 
Then, sighing, turned about, and homeward bent 
His lingering stejos, and hope began to spring 
Within his heart, for some betokening 
He seemed about the herdsman now to see 
Of one from mortal cares and troubles free. 

And so midst hopes and fears day followed day. 
Until at last upon his bed he lay 
When the gray, creeping dawn had now begun 
To make the wide world ready for the sun 
On the tenth day : sleepless had been the night. 
And now in that first hour of gathering light 
For weariness he slept, and dreamed that he 
Stood by the border of a fair calm sea 
At point to go a-shipboard, and to leave 
Whatever from his sire he did receive 
Of land or kingship ; and withal he dreamed 
That through the cordage a bright light there gleamed 
Far off within the east ; and nowise sad 
He felt at leaving all he might have had. 
But rather as a man who goes to see 



. THE LOVE OF ALCESTIS. 

Some heritage expected patiently. 

But when he moved to leave the firm fixed shore, 

The windless sea rose high and 'gan to roar, 

And from the gangway thrust the ship aside, 

Until he hung over a chasm wide 

Vocal with furious waves, yet had no fear 

For all the varied tumult he might hear, 

But slowly woke up to the morning light 

That to his eyes seemed past all memory bright, 

And then strange sounds he heard, whereat his heart 

Woke up to joyous life with one glad start, 

And nigh his bed he saw the herdsman stand. 

Holding a long white staff in his right hand, 

Carved with strange figures ; and withal he said, 

" Awake, Admetus ! loiter not abed, 
But haste thee to bring home thy promised bride, 
For now an ivory chariot waits outside. 
Yoked to such beasts as Pelias bade thee bring ; 
Whose guidance thou shalt find an easy thing, 
If in thine hands thou boldest still this rod. 
Whereon are carved the names of every god 
That rules the fertile earth ; but having come 
Unto King Pelias' well-adorned home. 
Abide not long, but take the royal maid, 
And let her dowry in thy wain be laid. 
Of silver and fine cloth and unmixed gold, 
For this indeed will Pelias not withhold 
When he shall see thee like a very god. 
Then let thy beasts, ruled by this carven rod, 
Turn round to Pherse ; yet must thou abide 
Before thou comest to the streamlet's side 
That feed its dykes ; there, by the little wood 
Wherein unto Diana men shed blood. 
Will I await thee, and thou shalt descend 
And hand-in-hand afoot through Pherae wend ; 
And yet I bid thee, this night let thy bride 
Apart among the womenfolk abide ; 
That on the morrow thou with sacrifice 
For these strange deeds may pay a fitting price." 

But as he spoke with something like to awe, 
His eyes and much- changed face Admetus saw, 
And voiceless hke a slave his words obeyed ; 
For rising up no more delay he made. 
But took the staif and gained the palace-door 
Where stood the beasts, whose mingled whine and roar 



303 



304 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Had wrought his dream ; there two and two they stood, 

Thinking, it might be, of the tangled wood, 

And all the joys of the food-hiding trees, 

But harmless as their painted images 

'Neath some dread spell ; then, leaping up, he took 

The reins in hand and the bossed leather shook, 

And no delay the conquered beasts durst make 

But drew, not silent ; and folk just awake 

When he went by, as though a god they saw. 

Fell on their knees, and maidens come to draw 

Fresh water from the fount sank trembling down, 

And silence held the babbling wakened town. 

So 'twixt the dewy hedges did he wend, 
And still their noise afar the beasts did send, 
His strange victorious advent to proclaim. 
Till to lolchos at the last he came. 
And drew anigh the gates, whence in affright 
The guards fled, helpless at the wondrous sight ; 
And through the town news of the coming spread 
Of some great god so that the scared priests led 
Pale suppliants forth \ who, in unmeet attire 
And hastily-caught boughs and smouldering fire 
Within their censers, in the market-place 
Awaited him with many an upturned face. 
Trembling with fear of that unnamed new god ; 
But through the midst of them his lions trod 
With noiseless feet, nor noted aught their prey. 
And the boars' hoofs went pattering on the way, 
While from their churning tusks the white foam flew 
As raging, helpless, in the trace they drew. 

But Pelias, knowing all the work of fate. 
Sat in his brazen- pillared porch to wait 
The coming of the King ; the while the maid 
In her fair marriage garments was arrayed. 
And from strong places of his treasury 
Men brought fine scarlet froni the Syrian sea. 
And works of brass, and ivory, and gold ; 
But when the strange yoked beasts he did behold 
Come through the press of people terrified, 
Then he arose and o'er the clamor cried, 
*' Hail, thou, who like a very god art come 
To bring great honor to my damsel's home " ; 
And when Admetus tightened rein before 
The gleaming, brazen -wrought, half-open door, 
He cried to Pelias, ' ' Hail, to thee, O King ; 
Let me behold once more my father's ring, 



THE LOVE OF ALCESTIS, 305 

Let me behold the prize that I have won, 
Mine eyes are wearying now to look upon." 

" Fear not," he said, " the fates are satisfied ; 
Yet wilt thou not descend and here abide, 
Doing me honor till the next bright morn 
Has dried the dew upon the new-sprung corn, 
That we in turn may give the honor due 
To such a man that such a thing can do, 
And unto all the gods may sacrifice ? " 

' ' Nay, " said Admetus, ' ' if thou call'st me wise, 
And like a very god thou dost me deem, 
Shall I abide the endmg of the dream 
And so gain nothing ? nay, let me be glad 
That I at least one godlike hour have had 
At whatsoever time I come to die, 
That I may mock the world that passes by 
And yet forgets it" Saying this, indeed. 
Of Pelias did he seem to take small heed, 
But spoke as one unto himself may speak. 
And still the half-shut door his eyes did seek. 
Wherethrough from distant rooms sweet music came, 
Setting his over-strained heart aflame. 
Because amidst the Lydian flutes he thought 
From place to place his love the maidens brought. 

Then Pelias said, '* What can I give to thee 
Who fail'st so little of divinity ? 
Yet let my slaves lay these poor gifts within 
Thy chariot, while my daughter strives to win 
The favor of the spirits of this place, 
Since from their altars she must turn her face 
Forever now ; hearken, her flutes I hear, 
From the last chapel doth she draw anear." 

Then by Admetus' feet the folk 'gan pile 
The precious things, but he no less the while 
Stared at the door ajar, and thought it long 
Ere with the flutes mingled the maidens' song. 
And both grew louder, and the scarce seen floor 
Was fluttering with white raiment, and the door 
By slender fingers was set open wide, 
And midst her damsels he beheld the bride 
Ungirt, with hair unbound and garlanded : 
Then Pelias took her slender hand and said, 
*' Daughter, this is the man that takes from thee 
Thy curse midst women, think no more to be 
Childless, unloved, and knowing little bliss ; 
But now behold how like a god he is, 
20 



3o6 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

And yet with what prayers for the love of thee 
He must have wearied some divinity, 
And therefore in thine inmost heart be glad 
That thou 'mongst women such a man hast had. " 

Then she with wondering eyes that strange team saw 
A moment, then as one with gathering awe 
Might turn from Jove's bird unto very Jove, 
So did she raise her gray eyes to her love, 
But to her brow the blood rose therewithal. 
And she must tremble, such a look did fall 
Upon her faithful eyes, that none the less 
Would falter aught for all her shamefastness, 
But rather to her lover's hungry eyes 
Gave back a tender look of glad surprise, 
Wherein love's flame began to flicker now. 

Withal, her father kissed her on the brow. 
And said, '* O daughter, take this royal ring. 
And set it on the finger of the King, 
And come not back ; and thou Admetus, pour 
This wine to Jove before my open door, 
And glad at heart take back thine own with thee." 

Then with that word Alcestis silently. 
And with no look cast back and ring in hand, 
Went forth, and soon beside her love did stand, 
Nor on his finger failed to set the ring ; 
And then a golden cup the city's King 
Gave to him, and he poured and said, *' O thou. 
From whatsoever place thou lookest now, 
What prayers, what gifts unto thee shall I give 
That we a little time with love may live ? 
A little time of love, then fall asleep 
Together, while the crown of love we keep." 

So spake he, and his strange beasts turned about, 
And heeded not the people's wavering shout 
That from their old fear and new pleasure sprang. 
Nor noted aught of what the damsels sung, 
Or of the flowers that after them they cast. 
But like a dream the guarded city passed, 
And 'twixt the song of birds and blossoms' scent 
It seemed for many hundred years they went. 
Though short the way was unto Pherse's gates ; 
Time they forgat, and gods, and men, and fates, 
However nigh unto their hearts they were ; 
The woodland boars, the yellow lords of fear, 
No more seemed strange to them, but all the earth 
With all its changing sorrow and wild mirth 



THE LOVE OF ALCESTIS. 

In that fair hour seemed new-born to the twain, 
Grief seemed a play forgot, a pageant vain, 
A picture painted, who knows where or when, 
With soulless images of restless men ; 
For every thought but love was passed away, 
And they forgot that they should ever die. 

But when they came anigh the sacred wood, 
There, biding them, Admetus' herdsman stood. 
At sight of whom those yoke fellows unchecked 
Stopped dead and little of Admetus recked 
Who now, as one from dreams not yet awoke. 
Drew back his love and that strange wain forsook, 
And gave the carven rod and guiding bands 
Into the waiting herdsman's outstretched hands. 
But when he fain had thanked him for the thing 
That he had done, his speechless tongue would cling 
Unto his mouth, and why he could not tell. 
But the man said, "No words ! thou hast done well 
To me, as I to thee ; the day may come 
When thou shalt ask me for a fitting home. 
Nor shalt thou ask in vain ; but hasten now, 
And to thine house this royal maiden show. 
Then give her to thy women for this night. 
But when thou wakest up to thy delight 
To-morrow, do all things that should be done, 
Nor of the gods forget thou any one, 
And on the next day will I come again 
To tend thy flocks upon the grassy plain. 

" But now depart, and from thine home send here 
Chariot and horse, these gifts of thine to bear 
Unto thine house, and going, look not back 
Lest many a wished-for thing thou com'st to lack." 

Then hand-in-hand together, up the road 
The lovers passed unto the King's abode. 
And as they went, the whining snort and roar 
From the yoked beasts they heard break out once more 
And then die off, as they were led away, 
But whether to some place ht up by day, 
Or, 'neath the earth, they knew not, for the twain 
Went hastening on, nor once looked back again. 

But soon the minstrels met them, and a band 
Of white-robed damsels flowery boughs in hand. 
To bid them welcome to that pleasant place. 
Then they, rejoicing much, in no long space 
Came to the brazen-pillared porch, whereon 



307 



o3 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

From 'twixt the passes of the hills yet shone 
The dying sun ; and there she stood awhile 
Without the threshold, a faint tender smile 
Trembling upon her lips 'twixt love and shame, 
Until each side of her a maiden came 
And raised her in their arms, that her fair feet 
The polished brazen threshold might not meet, 
And in Admetus' house she stood at last. 

But to the women's chamber straight she passed 
Bepraised of all, — and so the wakeful night 
Lonely the lovers passed e'en as they might. 

But the next day with many a sacrifice, . 
Admetus wrought, for such a well-won prize, 
A life so blest, the gods to satisfy. 
And many a matchless beast that day did die 
Upon the altars ; naught unlucky seemed 
To be amid the joyous crowd that gleamed 
With gold and precious things, and only this 
Seemed wanting to the King of Pherae's bliss, 
That all these pageants should be soon past by, 
And hid by night the fair spring blossoms lie. 



YET on the morrow-morn Admetus came, 
A haggard man oppressed with grief and shame, 
Unto the spot beside Boebeis' shore 
Whereby he met his herdsman once before, 
And there again he found him flushed and glad. 
And from the babbling water newly clad, 
Then he with downcast eyes these words began, 

" O thou, whatso thy name is, god or man, 
Hearken to me ; meseemeth of thy deed 
Some dread immortal taketh angry heed. 

'' Last night the height of my desire seemed won, 
All day my weary eyes had watched the sun 
Rise up and sink, and now was come the night 
When I should be alone with my delight ; 
Silent the house was now from floor to roof, 
And in the well-hung chambers, far aloof. 
The feasters lay ; the moon was in the sky, 
The soft spring wind was wafting lovingly 
Across the gardens fresh scents to my sweet, 
As, troubled with the sound of my own feet, 
I passed betwixt the pillars, whose long shade 



THE LOVE OF ALCESTIS, 309 

Black on the white red- veined floor was laid : 

So happy was I that the briar-rose, 

Rustling outside within the flowery close, 

Seemed but Love's odorous wing — too real all seemed 

For such a joy as I had never dreamed. 

' ' Why do I linger, as I lingered not 
In that fair hour, now ne'er to be forgot 
While my life lasts ? — Upon the gilded door 
I laid my hand ; I stood upon the floor 
Of the bride-chamber, and I saw the bride, 
Lovelier than any dream, stand by the side 
Of the gold bed, with hands that hid her face : 
One cry of joy I gave, and then the place 
Seemed changed to hell as in a hideous dream. 

*' Still did the painted silver pillars gleam 
Betwixt the scented torches and the moon ; 
Still did the garden shed its odorous boon 
Upon the night ; still did the nightingale 
Unto his brooding mate tell all his tale : 
But, risen 'twixt my waiting love and me, 
As soundless as the dread eternity, 
Sprung up from nothing, could mine eyes behold 
A huge dull-gleaming dreadful coil that rolled 
In changing circles on the pavement fair. 
Then for the sword that was no longer there 
My hand sank to my side ; around I gazed, 
And 'twixt the coils I met her gray eyes glazed 
With sudden horror most unspeakable ; 
And when mine own upon no weapon fell, 
For what should weapons do in such a place, 
Unto the dragon's head I set my face. 
And raised bare hands against him, but a cry 
Burst on mine ears of utmost agony 
That nailed me there, and she cried out to me, 
* O get thee hence ; alas, I cannot flee ! 
They coil about me now my lips to kiss. 
O love, why hast thou brought me unto this ? '' 

*' Alas, my shame ! trembling, away I slunk. 
Yet turning saw the fearful coil had sunk 
To whence it came, my love's limbs freed I saw, 
And a long breath at first I heard her draw 
As one redeemed, then heard the hard sobs come, 
And wailings for her new accursed home. 
But there outside across the door I lay. 
Like a scourged hound, until the dawn of day ; 
And as her gentle breathing then I heard 



310 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

As though she slept, before the earliest bird 
Began his song, I wandered forth to seek 
Thee, O strange man, e'en as thou seest me, weak 
With all the torment of the night, and shamed 
With such a shame as never shall be named 
To aught but thee — Yea, yea, and why to thee, 
Perchance this ends all thou wilt do for me ? — 
What then, and have I not a cure for that ? 
Lo, yonder is a rock where I have sat 
Full many an hour while yet my life was life, 
With hopes of all the coming wonder rife. 
No sword hangs by my side, no god will turn 
This cloudless hazy blue to black, and burn 
My useless body with his lightning flash ; 
But the white waves above my bones may wash, 
And when old chronicles our house shall name 
They may leave out the letters and the shame 
That make Admetus, once a king of men — 
And how could I be worse or better then ? " 

As one who notes a curious instrument 
Working against the maker's own intent, 
The herdsman eyed his wan face silently, 
And smiling for a while, and then said he, — 
*' Admetus, thou, in spite of all I said, 
Hast drawn this evil thing upon thine head. 
Forgetting her who erewhile laid the curse 
Upon the maiden, so for fear of worse 
Go back again ; for fair-limbed Artemis 
Now bars the sweet attainment of thy bliss ; 
So taking heart, yet make no more delay 
But worship her upon this very day, 
Nor spare for aught, and of thy trouble make 
No semblance unto any for her sake ; 
And thick upon the fair bride- chamber floor 
Strew dittany, and on each side the door 
Hang up such poppy-leaves as spring may yield ^ 
And for the rest, myself may be a shield 
Against her wrath — nay, be thou not too bold 
To ask me that which may not now be told. 
Yea, even what thou deemest, hide it deep 
i Within thine heart, and let thy wonder sleep. 
For surely thou shalt one day know my name. 
When the time comes again that autumn's flame 
Is dying off the vine boughs, overturned, 
Stripped of their wealth. But now let gifts be burned 



'THE LOVE OF ALCESTIS, 311 

To her I told thee of, and in three days 
Shall I by many hard and rugged ways 
Have come to thee again to bring thee peace. 
Go, the sun rises and the shades decrease." 

Then, thoughtfully, Admetus gat him back, 
Nor did the altars of the Huntress lack 
The fattest of the flocks upon that day. 
But when night came, in arms Admetus lay 
Across the threshold of the bride- chamber, 
And naught amiss that night he noted there, 
But durst not enter, though about the door 
Young poppy leaves were twined, and on the floor. 
Not flowered as yet with downy leaves and gray, 
Fresh dittany beloved of wild goats lay. 

But when the whole three days and nights were done, 
The herdsman came with rising of the sun, 
And said, *' Admetus, now rejoice again, ' 
Thy prayers and offerings have not been in vain, 
And thou at last may'st come unto thy bliss ; 
And if thou askest for a sign of this, 
Take thou this token ; make good haste to rise, 
And get unto the garden-close that lies 
Below these windows sweet with gre-enery, 
And in the midst a marvel shalt thou see, 
Three white, black-hearted poppies blossoming, 
Though this is but the middle of the spring." 

Nor was it otherwise than he had said. 
And on that day with joy the twain were wed, 
And 'gan to lead a life of great delight ; 
But the strange woful history of that night. 
The monstrous car, the promise to the King, 
All these through weary hours of chiselling 
Were wrought in stone, and in Diana's wall 
Set up, a joy and witness unto aU. 

But neither so would winged time abide. 
The changing year came round to autumn-tide. 
Until at last the day was fully come 
When the strange guest first reached Admetus' home. 
Then, when the sun was reddening to its end. 
He to Admetus' brazen porch did wend. 
Whom there he found feathering a poplar dart, 
Then said he, " King, the time has come to part, 
Come forth, for I have that to give thine ear 
No man upon the earth but thou must hear." 

Then rose the King, and with a troubled look 
His well-steeled spear within his hand he took. 



5 1 2 THE EAR THL Y PARADISE. 

And by his herdsman silently he went 

As to a peaked hill his steps he bent, 

Nor did the parting servant speak one word. 

As up they climbed, unto his silent lord. 

Till from the top he turned about his head 

From all the glory of the gold light, shed 

Upon the hill-top by the setting sun. 

For now indeed the day was wellnigh done. 

And all the eastern vale was gray and cold ; 

But when Admetus he did now behold, 

Panting beside him from tlie steep ascent, 

One godlike, changed look on him he bent. 

And said, " O mortal, listen, for I see 

Thou deemest somewhat of what is in me ; 

Fear not ! I love thee, even as I can 

Who cannot feel the woes and ways of man 

In spi te of this my seeming, for indeed 

Now thou beholdest Jove's immortal seed ; 

And what my name is I would tell thee now, 

If men, who dwell upon the earth as thou. 

Could hear the name and live ; but on the earth. 

With strange melodious stories of my birth, 

Phoebus men call me, and Latona's son. 

** And now my servitude with thee is done, 
And I shall leave thee toiling on thine earth. 
This handful, that within its little girth 
Holds that which moves you so, O men that die ; 
Behold, to-day thou hast felicity. 
But the times change, and I can see a day 
When all thine happiness shall fade away ; 
And yet be merry, strive not with the end, 
Thou canst not change it ; for the rest, a friend 
This year has won thee who shall never fail : 
But now indeed, for naught will it avail 
To say what I may have in store for thee, 
Of gifts that men desire ; let these things be. 
And live thy life, till death itself shall come. 
And turn to naught the storehouse of thine home. 
Then think of me ; these feathered shafts behold. 
That here have been the terror of the wold. 
Take these, and count them still the best of all 
Thy envied wealth, and when on thee shall fall 
By any way the worst extremity. 
Call upon me before thou com'st to die. 
And lay these shafts with incense on a fire. 
That thou may'st gain thy uttermost desire. " 



THE LOVE OF ALCESTIS, 313 

He ceased, but ere the golden tongue was still 
An odorous mist had stolen up the hill, 
And to Admetus first the god grew dim, 
And then was but a lovely voice to him, 
And then at last the sun had sunk to rest, 
And a fresh wind blew lightly from the west 
Over the hill- top, and no soul was there ; 
But the sad dying autumn field-flowers fair, 
Rustled dry leaves about the windy place, 
Where even now had been the godlike face, 
And in their midst the brass-bound quiver lay. 
Then, going further westward, far away 
He saw the gleaming of Peneus wan 
'Neath the white sky, but never any man, 
Except a gray-haired shepherd driving down 
From off the long slopes to his fold-yard brown 
His woolly sheep, with whom a maiden went, 
Singing for labor done and sweet content 
Of coming rest ; with that he turned again, 
And took the shafts up, never sped in vain, 
And came unto his house most deep in thought 
Of all the things the varied year had brought. 



THENCEFORTH in bliss and honor day by day 
His measured span of sweet life wore away. 
A happy man he was ; no vain desire 
Of foolish fame had set his heart afire ; 
No care he had the ancient bounds to change, 
Nor yet for him must idle soldiers range 
From place to place about the burdened land, 
Or thick upon the ruined cornfields stand ; 
For him no trumpets blessed the bitter war. 
Wherein the right and wrong so mingled are, 
That hardly can the man of single heart 
Amid the sickening turmoil choose his part ; 
For him sufficed the changes of the year. 
The god-sent terror was enough of fear 
For him ; enough the battle witli the earth, 
The autumn triumph over drought and dearth. 

Better to him than wolf-moved battered shields, 
O'er poor dead corpses, seemed the stubble fields 
Danced down beneath the moon, until the night 



314 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Grew dreamy with a shadowy sweet dehght, 

And with the high-risen moon came pensive thought, 

And men in love's despite must grow distraught 

And loiter in the dance, and maidens drop 

Their gathered raiment, and the fifer stop 

His dancing notes the pensive drone that chid, 

And as they wander to their dwellings hid 

By the black shadowed trees, faint melody. 

Mournful and sweet, their soft good-night must be. 

Far better spoil the gathering vat bore in 
Unto the pressing shed, than midst the din 
Of falling houses in war's wagon lies 
Besmeared with redder stains than Tyrian dyes ; 
Or when the temple of the sea-born one 
With glittering crowns and gay attire shone. 
Fairer the maidens seemed by no chain bound, 
But such as amorous arms might cast around 
Their lovely bodies, than the wretched band 
Who midst the shipmen by the gangway stand ; 
Each lonely in her speechless misery, 
And thinking of the worse time that shall be, 
When midst of folk who scarce can speak her name, 
She bears the uttermost of toil and shame. 

Better to him seemed that victorious crown, 
That midst the reverent silence of the town 
He oft would set upon some singer's brow 
Than was the conqueror's diadem, blest now 
By lying priests, soon, bent and bloody, hung 
Within the thorn by linnets well besung, 
Who think but little of the corpse beneath. 
Though ancient lands have trembled at his breath. 

But to this King, — fair Ceres' gifts, the days 
Whereon men sung in flushed Lyseus' praise 
Tales of old time, the bloodless sacrifice 
Unto the goddess of the downcast eyes 
And soft persuading lips, the ringing lyre 
Unto the bearer of the holy fire 

Who once had been amongst them, — things like these 
Seemed meet to him men's yearning to appease, 
These were the triumphs of the peaceful king. 

And so, betwixt seedtime and harvesting. 
With little fear his life must pass away ; 
And for the rest, he, from the selfsame day 
That the god left him, seemed to have some share 
In that same godhead he had harbored there ; 



THE LOVE OF ALCESTIS. 315 

In all tilings grew his wisdom and his wealth, 
And folk beholding the fair state and health 
Wherein his land was, said, that now at last 
A fragment of the Golden Age was cast 
Over the place, for there was no debate, 
And men forgot the very name of hate. 

Nor failed the love of her he erst had won 
To hold his heart as still the years wore on. 
And she, no whit less fair than on the day 
When from lolchos first she passed away, 
Did all his will as though he were a god. 
And, loving still, the downward way she trod. 

Honor and love, plenty and peace, he had ; 
Nor lacked for aught that makes a wise man glad, 
That makes him like a rich well-honored guest 
Scarce sorry when the time comes, for the rest, 
That at the last perforce must bow his head. 

And yet — was death not much remembered, 
As still with happy men the manner is ? 
Or, was he not so pleased with this world's bliss, 
As to be sorry when the time should come 
When but his name should hold his ancient home 
While he dwelt nowhere ? either way indeed. 
Will be enough for most men's daily need, 
And with calm faces they may watch the world. 
And note men's lives hither and thither hurled, 
As folk may watch the unfolding of a play — 
Nor this, nor chat was King Admetus' way. 
For neither midst the sweetness of his life 
Did he forget the ending of the strife, 
Nor yet for heavy thoughts of passing pain 
Did all his life seem lost to him or vain, 
A wasteful jest of Jove, an empty dream ; 
Rather before him did a vague hope gleam, 
That made him a great-hearted man and wise. 
Who saw the deeds of men with far-seeing eyes. 
And dealt them pitying justice still, as though 
The inmost heart of each man he did know ; 
This hope it was, and not his kingly place 
That made men's hearts rejoice to see his face 
Rise in the council hall ; through this, men felt 
That in their midst a son of man there dwelt 
Like and unlike them, and their friend through all ; 
And still as time went on, the more would fall 
This glory on the King's beloved head, 
And round his life fresh hope and fear were shed. 



3i6 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Yet at the last his good days passed away, 
And sick upon his bed Admetus lay, 
'Twixt him and death naught but a lessening veil 
Of hasty minutes, yet did hope not fail. 
Nor did bewildering fear torment him then, 
But still, as ever, all the ways of men 
Seemed clear to him : but he, while yet his breath 
Still held the gateway 'gainst the arms of death, 
Turned to his wife, who, bowed beside the bed, 
Wept for his love, and dying goodlihead, 
And bade her put all folk from out the room. 
Then going to the treasury's rich gloom 
To bear the arrows forth, the Lycian's gift. 
So she, amidst her blinding tears, made shift 
To find laid in the inmost treasury 
Those shafts, and brought them unto him, but he, 
Beholding them, beheld therewith his life, 
Both that now past with many marvels rife. 
And that which he had hoped he yet should see. 

Then spoke he faintly, " Love, 'twixt thee and me 
A film has come, and I am fainting fast : 
And now our ancient happy life is past ; 
For either this is death's dividing hand. 
And all is done, or if the shadowy land 
I yet escape, full surely if I live 
The god with life some other gift will give, 
And change me to thee ; even at this tide 
Like a dead man among you all I bide, 
Until I once again behold my guest. 
And he has given me either life or rest : 
Alas, my love ! that thy too loving heart 
Nor with my life or death can have a part. 
O cruel words ! yet death is cruel too : 
Stoop down and kiss me, for I yearn for you 
E'en as the autumn yearneth for the sun. " 

" O love, a little time we have been one. 
And if we now are twain weep not therefore ; 
For many a man on earth desireth sore 
To have some mate upon the toilsome road, 
Some sharer of his still increasing load, 
And yet for all his longing and his pain 
His troubled heart must seek for love in vain, 
And till he dies still must he be alone — 
But now, although our love indeed is gone, 
Yet to this land as thou art leal and true 
Set now thine hand to what I bid thee do, 



THE LOVE OF ALCESTIS. 317 

^Because I may not die ; rake up the brands 
Upon the hearth, and from these trembhng hands 
Cast incense thereon, and upon them lay 
These shafts, the rehcs of a happier day. 
Then watch with me ; perchance I may not die, 
Though the supremest hour now draws anigh 
Of Ufe or death — O thou who madest me, 
The only thing on earth alike to thee. 
Why must I be unlike to thee in this ? 
Consider, if thou dost not do amiss 
To slay the only thing that feareth death 
Or knows its name, of all things drawing breath 
Upon the earth : see now for no short hour, 
For no half-halting death, to reach me slower 
Than other men, I pray thee — what avail 
To add some trickling grains unto the tale 
Soon told, of minutes thou dost snatch away 
From out the midst of that unendmg day 
Wherein thou dwellest ? rather grant me this 
To right me wherein thou hast done amiss, 
And give me life like thine forevermore. " 

So murmured he, contending very sore 
Against the coming death ; but she meanwhile, 
Faint with consuming love, made haste to pile 
The brands upon the hearth, and thereon cast 
Sweet incense, and the feathered shafts at last ; 
Then, trembling, back unto the bed she crept. 
And lay down by his side, and no more wept, 
Nay scarce could think of death for very love 
That in her faithful heart forever strove 
'Gainst fear and grief; but now the incense-cloud 
The old familiar chamber did enshroud. 
And on the very verge of death drawn close 
Wrapt both their weary souls in strange repose, 
That through sweet sleep sent kindly images 
Of simple things ; and in the midst of these. 
Whether it was but parcel of their dream. 
Or that they woke to it as some might deem, 
I know not, but the door was opened wide. 
And the King's name a voice long silent cried. 
And Phoebus on the very threshold trod. 
And yet in nothing liker to a god 
That when he ruled Admetus' herds, for he 
Still wore the homespun coat men used to see 
Among the heifers in the summer morn, 



3i8 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

And round about him hung the herdsman's horn, 
And in his hand he bore the herdsman's spear 
And cornel bow, the prowhng dog-wolfs fear, 
Though empty of its shafts the quiver was. 

He to the middle of the room did pass, 
And said, ''' Admetus, neither all for naught 
My coming to thee is, nor have I brought 
Good tidings to thee ; poor man, thou shalt live 
If any soul for thee sweet life will give 
Enforced by none : for such a sacrifice 
Alone the fates can deem a fitting price 
For thy redemption ; in no battle-field, 
Maddened by hope of glory life to yield, 
To give it up to heal no city's shame 
In hope of gaining long-enduring fame ; 
For whoso dieth for thee must believe 
That thou with shame that last gift wilt receive, 
And strive henceforward with forgetfulness 
The honeyed draught of thy new life to bless. 
Nay, and moreover such a glorious heart. 
Who loves thee well enough with life to part 
But for thy love, with life must lose love too, 
"Which e'en when wrapped about in weeds of woe 
Is godlike life indeed to such an one. 

' ' And now behold, three days ere life is done 
Do the fates give thee, and I, even I, 
Upon thy life have shed felicity 
And given thee love of men, that they in turn 
With fervent love of thy dear love might burn. 
The people love thee and thy silk-clad breast, 
Thine open doors have given thee better rest 
Than woods of spears or hills of walls might do. 
And even now in wakefulness and woe 
The city lies, calling to mind thy love. 
Wearying with ceaseless prayers the gods above. 
But thou — thine heart is wise enough to know 
That they no whit from their decrees will go." 

So saying, swiftly from the room he passed ; 
But on the world no look Admetus cast, 
But peacefully turned round unto the wall 
As one who knows that quick death must befall : 
For in his heart he thought, " Indeed too well 
I know what men are, this strange tale to tell 
To those that live with me : yea, they will weep. 
And o'er my tomb most solemn days will keep. 



THE LOVE OF ALCESTIS, 

^ And in great chronicles will write my name, 
'Telling to many an age my deeds and fame. 
For living men such things as this desire, 
And by such ways will they appease the fire 
Of love and grief : but when death comes to stare 
Full in men^s faces, and the truth lays bare, 
How can we then have wish for anything, 
But unto life that gives us all to cling ? " 

So said he, and with closed eyes did await, 
Sleeping or waking, the decrees of fate. 

But now Alcestis rose, and by the bed 
She stood, with wild thoughts passing through her head. 
Dried were her tears, her troubled heart and sore 
Throbbed with the anguish of her love no more. 
A strange look on the dymg man she cast. 
Then covered up her face and said, " O past ! 
Past the sweet times that I remember well ! 
Alas, that such a tale my heart can tell ! 
Ah, how I trusted him ! what love was mine ! 
How sweet to feel his arms about me twine. 
And my heart beat with his ! what wealth of bliss 
To hear his praises ! all to come to this, 
That now I durst not look upon his face. 
Lest in my heart that other thing have place, 
That which I knew not, that which men call hate. 

" O me, the bitterness of God and fate ! 
A little time ago we two were one ; 
I had not lost him though his life was done. 
For. still was he in me — but now alone 
Through the thick darkness must my soul make moan, 
For I must die : how can I live to bear 
An empty heart about, the nurse of fear ? 
Flow can I live to die some other tide. 
And, dying, hear my loveless name outcried 
About the portals of that weary land 
Whereby my shadowy feet should come to stand. 

*' Alcestis ! O Alcestis, hadst thou known 
That thou one day shouldst thus be left alone, 
How hadst thou borne a living soul to love ! 
Hadst thou not rather lifted hands to Jove, 
To turn thine heart to stone, thy front to brass. 
That through this wondrous world thy soul might pass, 
Well-pleased and careless, as Diana goes 
Through the thick woods, all pitiless of those 
Her shafts smite down ? Alas I how could it be ? 



319 



320 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Can a god give a god's delights to thee ? 

Nay rather, Jove, but give me once again, 

If for one moment only, that sweet pain 

Of love I had v^^hile still I thought to live ! 

Ah ! wilt thou not, since unto thee I give 

My life, my hope ? — But thou — I come to thee. 

Thou sleepest : O wake not, nor speak to me \ 

In silence let my last hour pass away, 

And men forget my bitter feeble day." 

With that she laid her down upon the bed, 
And nestling to him, kissed his weary head, 
And laid his wasted hand upon her breast, 
Yet woke him not ; and silence and deep rest 
Fell on that chamber. The night wore away 
Mid gusts of wailing wind, the twilight gray 
Stole o'er the sea, and wrought his wondrous change 
On things unseen by night, by day not strange, 
But now half-seen and strange ; then came the sun, 
And therewithal the silent world and dun 
Waking, waxed many-colored, full of sound, 
As men again their heap of troubles found. 
And woke up to their joy or misery. 

But there, unmoved by aught, those twain did lie, 
Until Admetus' ancient nurse drew near 
Unto the open door, and full of fear 
Beheld them moving not, and as folk dead ; 
Then, trembling with her eagerness and dread, 
She cried, " Admetus ! art thou dead indeed? 
Alcestis ! livest thou my words to heed ? 
Alas, alas, for this Thessalian folk ! " 

But with her piercing cry the King aAVoke, 
And round about him wildly 'gan to stare. 
As a bewildered man who knows not where 
He has awakened : but not thin or wan 
His face was now, as of a dying man. 
But fresh and ruddy ; and his eyes shone clear, 
As of a man who much of life may bear. 
And at the first, but joy and great surprise 
Shone out from those awakened, new-healed eyes ; 
But as for something more at last he yearned, 
Unto his love with troubled brow he turned, 
For still she seemed to sleep : alas, alas ! 
Her lonely shadow even now did pass 
Along the changeless fields, oft looking back. 
As though it yet had thought of some great lack. 



THE LOVE OF ALCESTIS, 321 

And here, the hand just fallen from off his breast 

Was cold ; and cold the bosom his hand pressed. 

And even as the color lit the day 

The color from her lips had waned away ; 

Yet still, as though that longed-for happiness 

Had come again her faithful heart to bless, 

Those white lips smiled, unwTinkled was her brow, 

But of her eyes no secrets might he know, 

For, hidden by the lids of ivory. 

Had they beheld that death a-drawing nigh. 

Then o'er her dead corpse King Admetus hung, 
Such sorrow in his heart as his faint tongue 
Refused to utter : yet the just-past night 
But dimly he remembered, and the sight 
Of the Far-darter, and the dreadful word 
That seemed to cut all hope as with a sword : 
Yet stronger in his heart a knowledge grew, 
That naught it was but her fond heart and true 
That all the marvel for his love had wrought, 
Whereby from death to life he had been brought ; 
That dead, his life she was, as she had been 
His life's delight while still she lived a queen. 
And he fell wondering if his life w^ere gain, 
So wrapt as then in loneliness and pain ; 
Yet therewithal no tears would fill his eyes, 
For as a god he was. 

Then did he rise 
And gat him down unto the Council-place, 
And when the people saw his well-loved face 
They cried aloud for joy to see him there. 
And earth again to them seemed blest and fair. 
And though indeed they did lament in turn, 
When of Alcestis' end they came to learn. 
Scarce was it more than seeming, or, at least, 
The silence in the middle of a feast, 
When men have memory of their heroes slain. 
So passed the order of the world again,^ 
Victorious Summer crowning lusty Spring, 
Autumn with cleared fields from the harvesting, 
And Winter the earth's sleep ; and then again 
Spring, Summer, Autumn, and the Winter's pain ; 
And still and still the same the years went by. 

But Time, who slays so many a memory. 
Brought hers to light, the short-lived loving Queen ; 
21 



322 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

And her fair soul, as scent of flowers unseen, 

Sweetened the turmoil of long centuries. 

For soon, indeed. Death laid his hand on these, 

The shouters round the throne upon that day. 

And for Admetus, he, too, went his way, 

Though if he died at all I cannot tell ; 

But either on the earth he ceased to dwell, 

Or else, oft born again, had many a name. 

But through all lands of Greece Alcestis' fame 

Grew greater, and about her husband's twined 

Lived, in the hearts of far-off men enshrined. 

See I have told her tale, though I know not 

What men are dwelhng now on that green spot 

Anigh Boebeis, or if Pherae still. 

With name oft changed perchance, adown the hill 

Still shows its white walls to the rising sun. 

— The gods at least remember what is done. 



STRANGE felt the wanderers at his tale, for now 
Their old desires it seemed once more to show 
Unto their altered hearts, when now the rest, 
Most surely coming, of all things seemed best ; — 
— Unless, by death perchance they yet might gain 
Some space to try such deeds as now in vain 
They heard of amidst stories of the past ; 
Such deeds as they for that wild hope had cast 
From out their hands — they sighed to think of it, 
And how as deedless men they there must sit. 

Yet, with the measured falling of that rhyme 
Mingled the lovely sights and glorious time, 
Whereby, in spite of hope long passed away. 
In spite of knowledge growing day by day 
Of lives so wasted, in despite of death. 
With sweet content that eve they drew their breath, 
And scarce their own lives seemed to touch them more 
Than that dead Queen's beside Boebeis' shore ; 
Bitter and sweet so mingled in them both. 
Their lives and that old tale, they had been loath, 
Perchance, to have them told another way. — 
So passed the sun from that fair summer day. 



JUNE. 323 



JUNE drew unto its end, the hot bright days 
Now gat from men as much of blame as praise. 
As rainless still they passed, without a cloud. 
And growing gray at last, the barley bowed 
Before the southeast wind. On such a day 
These folk amid the trellised roses lay, 
And careless for a little while at least, 
Crowned with the mingled blossoms, held their feast : 
Nor did the garden lack for younger folk. 
Who cared no more for burning summer's yoke 
Than the sweet breezes of the April-tide ; 
But through the thick trees wandered far and wide 
From sun to shade, and shade to sun again, 
Until they deemed the elders would be fain 
To hear the tale, and shadows longer grew ; 
Then round about the grave old men they drew, 
Both youths and maidens ; and beneath their feet 
The grass seemed greener, and the flowers more sweet 
Unto the elders, as they stood around. 

So through the calm air soon arose the sound 
Of one old voice as now a Wanderer spoke. 
' ' O friends, and ye, fair loving gentle folk. 
Would I could better tell a tale to-day ; 
But hark to this, which while our good ship lay 
Within the Weser such a while agone, 
A Fleming told me, as we sat alone 
One Sunday evening in the Rose-garland, 
And all the other folk were gone a-land 
After their pleasure, like seafaring men. 
Surely I deem it no great wonder then 
That I remember everything he said. 
Since from that Sunday eve strange fortune led 
That keel and me on such a weary way — 
Well, at the least it serveth you to-day." 



THE LADY OF THE LAND. 



ARGUMENT. 

A CERTAIN Man having landed on an island in the Greek Sea, found there 
a beautiful damsel, whom he would fain have delivered from a strange 
and dreadful doom, but failing herein, he died soon afterwards. 

IT happened once, some men of Italy 
Midst the Greek islands went a sea-roving, 
And much good fortune had they on the sea : 
Of many a man they had the ransoming, 
And many a chain they gat, and goodly thing ; 
And midst their voyage to an isle they came, 
Whereof my story keepeth not the name. 

Now though but little was there left to gain, 
Because the richer folk had gone away. 
Yet since by this of water they were fain 
They came to anchor in a land-locked bay, 
Whence in a while some went ashore to play, 
Going but lightly armed in twos or threes, 
For midst that folk they feared no enemies. 

And of these fellows that thus went ashore, 
One was there who left all his friends behind ; 
Who going inland ever more and more, 
And being left quite alone, at last did find 
A lonely valley sheltered from the wind, 
Wherein, amidst an ancient cypress wood, 
A long-deserted castle stood. 

The wood, once ordered in fair grove and glade. 
With gardens overlooked by terraces, 
And marble-paved pools for pleasure made. 
Was tangled now, and choked with fallen trees ; 
And he who went there, with but little ease 
Must stumble by the stream's side, once made meet 
For tender women's dainty wandering feet. 



THE LADY OF THE LAND, 

The raven^s croak, the low wind choked and drear, 
The baffled stream, the gray wolf's doleful cry, 
Were all the sounds that mariner could hear, 
As through the wood he wandered painfully ; 
But as unto the house he drew anigh, 
The pillars of a ruined shrine he saw, 
The once fair temple of a fallen law. 

No image was there left behind to tell 
Before whose face the knees of men had bowed ; 
An altar of black stone, of old wrought well. 
Alone beneath a mined roof now showed 
The goal whereto the folk were wont to crowd. 
Seeking for things forgotten long ago, 
Praying for heads long ages laid a-low. 

Close to the temple was the castle -gate, 
Doorless and crumbhng ; there our fellow turned, 
Trembling indeed at what might chance to wait 
The prey entrapped, yet with a heart that burned 
To know the most of what might there be learned, 
And hoping somewhat too, amid his fear, 
To light on such things as all men hold dear. 

Noble the house was, nor seemed built for war, 
But rather like the work of other days. 
When men, in better peace than now they are. 
Had leisure on the world around to gaze. 
And noted well the past times' changing ways ; 
And fair with sculptured stories it was wrought, 
By lapse of time unto dim ruin brought. 

Now as he looked about on all these things. 
And strove to read the mouldering histories, 
Above the door an image with wide wings. 
Whose unclad limbs a serpent seemed to seize. 
He dimly saw, although the western breeze. 
And years of biting frost and biting rain, 
Had made the carver's labor wellnigh vain. 

But this, though perished sore and worn away, 
He noted well, because it seemed to be 
After the fashion of another day, 
Some great man's badge of war or armoiy, 
And round it a carved wreath he seemed to see : 



225 



26 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

But taking note of these things, at the last 
The manner beneath the gateway passed. 

And there a lovely cloistered court he found, 
A fountain in the midst overthrown and dry, 
And in the cloister briers twining round 
The slender shafts ; the wondrous imagery 
Outworn by more than many years gone by, 
Because the country people, in their fear 
Of wizardry, had wrought destruction here ; 

And piteously these fair things had been maimed ; 
There stood great Jove lacking his head of might ; 
Here was the archer, swift Apollo, lamed ; 
The shapely limbs of Venus hid from sight 
By weeds and shards ; Diana's ankles light 
Bound with the cable of some coasting ship ; 
And rusty nails through Helen's maddening lip. 

Therefrom unto the chambers did he pass, 
And found them fair still, midst of their decay. 
Though in them now no sign of man there was, 
And everything but stone had passed away 
That made them lovely in that vanished day ; 
Nay, the mere walls themselves would soon be gone, 
And naught be left but heaps of mouldering stone. 

But he, when all the place he had gone o'er, 
And with much trouble clomb the broken stair, 
And from the topmost turret seen the shore 
And his good ship drawn up at anchor there. 
Came down again, and found a crypt most fair 
Built wonderfully beneath the greatest hall. 
And there he saw a door within the wall, 

Well-hinged, close-shut ; nor was there in that place 
Another on its hinges, therefore he 
Stood there and pondered for a little space. 
And thought, " Perchance some marvel I shall see, 
For surely here some dweller there must be, 
Because this door seems whole, and new, and sound, 
While naught but ruin I can see around." 

So with that word, moved by a strong desire, 
He tried the hasp, that yielded to his hand, 
And in a strange place, lit as by a fire 



THE LADY OF THE LAND. 327 

Unseen but near, he presently did stand ; 
And by an odorous breeze his face was fanned, 
As though in some Arabian plain he stood, 
Anigh the border of a spice-tree wood. 

He moved not for a while, but looking round, 
He wondered much to see the place so fair, 
Because, unlike the castle above ground, 
No pillager or wrecker had been there ; 
It seemed that time had passed on otherwhere. 
Nor laid a finger on this hidden place. 
Rich with the wealth of some forgotten race. 

With hangings^ fresh as when they left the loom. 
The walls were hung a space above the head. 
Slim ivory chairs were set about the room, 
And in one corner was a dainty bed. 
That seemed for some fair queen apparelled ; 
And marble was the worst stone of the floor, 
That with rich Indian webs was covered o'er. 

The wanderer trembled when he saw all this, 
Because he deemed by magic it was wrought ; 
Yet in his heart a longing for some bliss. 
Whereof the hard and changing world knows naught. 
Arose and urged him on, and dimmed the thought 
That there perchance some devil lurked to slay 
The heedless wanderer from the light of day. 

Over against him was another door 
Set in the wall, so, casting fear aside. 
With hurried steps he crossed the varied floor. 
And there again the silver latch he tried 
And with no pain the door he opened wide. 
And entering the new chamber cautiously 
The glory of great heaps of gold could see. 

Upon the floor uncounted medals lay, 
Like things of little value ; here and there 
Stood golden caldrons, that might well outweigh 
The biggest midst an emperor's copper ware, 
And golden cups were set on tables fair. 
Themselves of gold ; and in all hollow things 
Were stored great gems, worthy the crowns of kings. 

The walls and roof with gold were overlaid. 
And precious raiment from the wall hung down ; 



328 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

The fall of kings that treasure might have stayed, 
Or gained some longing conqueror great renown, 
Or built again some god-destroyed old town ; 
What wonder, if this plunderer of the sea 
Stood gazing at it long and dizzily ? 

But at the last his troubled eyes and dazed 
He lifted from the glory of that gold, 
And then the image, that wellnigh erased 
Over the castle-gate he did behold. 
Above a door well-wrought in colored gold 
Again he saw ; a naked girl with wings 
Enfolded in a serpent's scaly rings. 

And even as his eyes were fixed on it 
A woman^s voice came from the other side, 
And through his heart strange hopes began to flit 
That in some wondrous land he might abide 
Not dying, master of a deathless bride, 
So o'er the gold, he scarcely now could see, 
He went, and passed this last door eagerly. 

Then in a room he stood wherein there was 
A marble bath, whose brimming water yet 
Was scarcely still ; a vessel of green glass 
Half-full of odorous ointment was there set 
Upon the topmost step that still was wet. 
And jewelled shoes and women's dainty gear 
Lay cast upon the varied pavement near. 

In one quick glance these things his eyes did see, 
But speedily they turned round to behold 
Another sight, for throned on ivory 
There sat a girl, whose dripping tresses rolled 
On to the floor in waves of gleaming gold. 
Cast back from such a form as, erewhile shown 
To one poor shepherd, lighted up Troy town. 

Naked she was, the kisses of her feet 
Upon the floor a dying path had made 
From the full bath unto her ivory seat ; 
In her right hand, upon her bosom laid. 
She held a golden comb, a mirror weighed 
Her left hand down, aback her fair head lay 
Dreaming awake of some long vanished day. 



THE LADY OF THE LAND. 329 

Her eyes were shut, but she seemed not to sleep, 
Her hps were murmuring things unheard and low, 
Or sometimes twitched as though she needs must weep 
Though from her eyes the tears refused to flow. 
And oft with heavenly red her cheek did glow, 
As if remembrance of some half-sweet shame 
Across the web of many memories came. 

There stood the man, scarce daring to draw breath 
For fear the lovely sight should fade away ; 
Forgetting heaven, forgetting life and death. 
Trembling for fear lest something he should say 
Unwitting, lest some sob should yet betray 
His presence there, for to his eager eyes 
Already did the tears begin to rise. 

But as he gazed she moved, and with a sigh 
Bent forward, dropping down her golden head ; 
" Alas, alas ! another day gone by. 
Another day and no soul come," she said ; 
* * Another year, and still I am not dead ! " 
And with that word once more her head she raised. 
And on the trembling man with great eyes gazed. 

Then he imploring hands to her did reach, 
And toward her very slowly 'gan to move 
And with wet eyes her pity did beseech, 
And, seeing her about to speak, he strove 
From trembling lips to utter words of love ; 
But with a look she stayed his doubtful feet, 
And made sweet music as their eyes did meet. 

For now she spoke in gentle voice and clear, 
Using the Greek tongue that he knew full well ; 
' ' What man art thou, that thus hast wandered here, 
And found this lonely chamber where I dwell? 
Beware, beware ! for I have many a spell ; 
If greed of power and gold have led thee on. 
Not lightly shall this untold wealth be won. 

'' But if thou com'st here, knowing of my tale, 
In hope to bear away my body fair. 
Stout must thine heart be, nor shall that avail 
If thou a wicked heart in thee dost bear ; 
So once again I bid thee to beware. 
Because no base man things like this may see. 
And live thereafter long and happily." 



330 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

'* Lady," he said, ** in Florence is my home, 
And in my city noble is my name ; 
Neither on peddling voyage am I come, 
But, like my fathers, bent to gather fame ; 
And though thy face has set my heart aflame 
Yet of thy story nothing do I know, 
But here have wandered heedlessly enow. 

" But since the sight of thee mine eyes did bless. 
What can I be but thine ? what wouldst thou have ? 
From those thy words, I deem from some distress 
By deeds of mine thy dear life I might save ; 
O then, delay not ! if one ever gave 
His life to any, mine I give to thee ; 
Come, tell me what the price of love must be ? 

" Swift death, to be with thee a day and night 
And with the earliest dawning to be slain ? 
Or better, a long year of great delight, 
And many years of misery and pain ? 
Or worse, and this poor hour for all my gain ? 
A sorry merchant am I on this day. 
E'en as thou wiliest so must I obey. " 

She said, " What brave words ! naught divine am I, 
But an unhappy and unheard-of maid 
Compelled by evil fate and destiny 
To live, who long ago should have been laid 
Under the earth within the cypress shade. 
Hearken awhile, and quickly shalt thou know 
What deed I pray thee to accomplish now. 

" God grant indeed thy words are not for naught! 
Then shalt thou save me, since for many a day 
To such a dreadful hfe I have been brought : 
Nor will I spare with all my heart to pay 
What man soever takes my grief away ; 
Ah ! I will love thee, if thou lovest me 
But well enough my savior now to be. 

** My father lived a many years agone 
Lord of this land, master of all cunning. 
Who ruddy gold could draw from out gray stone, 
And gather wealth from many an uncouth thing, 
He made the wilderness rejoice and sing. 



THE LADY OF THE LAND, 

And such a leech he was that none could say 
Without his word what soul should pass away. 

^' Unto Diana such a gift he gave, 
^Goddess above, below, and on the earth, 
That T should be her virgin and her slave 
From the first hour of my most wretched birth ; 
Therefore my life had known but little mirth 
When I had come unto my twentieth year 
And the last time of hallowing drew anear. 

" So in her temple had I lived and died 
And all would long ago have passed away, 
But ere that time came, did strange things betide, 
Whereby I am alive unto this day ; 
Alas, the bitter words that I must say ! 
Ah ! can I bring my wretched tongue to tell 
How I was brought unto this fearful hell ? 

*' A queen I was, what gods I knew I loved, 
And nothing evil was in my thought. 
And yet by love my wretched heart was moved 
Until to utter ruin I was brought ! 
Alas ! thou sayest our gods were vain and naught, 
Wait, wait, till thou hast heard this tale of mine. 
Then shalt thou think them devilish or divine. 

*' Hearken ! in spite of father and of vow 
I loved a man ; but for that sin I think 
Men had forgiven me — yea, yea, even thou ; 
But from the gods the full cup must I drink, 
And into misery unheard-of sink, 
Tormented when their own names are forgot. 
And men must doubt if they e'er lived or not. 

'' Glorious my mother was unto my sight. 
Most beautiful, — of love we grew so fain 
That we at last agreed, that on a night 
We should be happy, but that he were slain 
Or shut in hold, and neither joy nor pain 
Should else forbid that hoped-for time to be ; 
So came the night that made a wretch of me. 

** Ah ! well do I remember all that night. 
When through the window shone the orb of June, 
And by the bed flickered the taper's light, 



ZZ^ 



Z12 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

Whereby I trembled, gazing at the moon : 
Ah me ! the meeting that we had, when soon 
Into his strong, well-trusted arms I fell, 
And many a sorrow we began to tell. 

" Ah me ! what parting on that night we had ! 
I think the story of my great despair 
A little while might merry folk make sad ; 
For, as he swept away my yellow hair 
To make my shoulder and my bosom bare, 
I raised mine eyes, and shuddering could behold 
A shadow cast upon the bed of gold : 

*' Then suddenly was quenched my hot desire 
And he untwined his arms ; the moon, so pale 
A while ago, seemed changed to blood and fire, 
And yet my limbs beneath me did not fail, 
And neither had I strength to cry or wail, 
But stood there helpless, bare, and shivering, 
With staring eyes still fixed upon the thing. 

" Because the shade that on the bed of gold 
The changed and dreadful moon was throwing down 
Was of Diana, whom I did behold. 
With knotted hair, and shining girt-up gown, 
And on the high white brow, a deadly frown 
Bent upon us, who stood scarce drawing breath, 
Striving to meet the horrible sure death. 

*' No word at all the dreadful goddess said, 
But soon across my feet my lover lay, 
And well indeed I knew that he was dead ; 
And would that I had died on that same day ! 
For in a while the image turned away. 
And without words my doom I understood, 
And felt a horror change my natural blood. 

" And there I fell, and on the floor I lay 
By the dead man, till daylight came on me, 
And not a word thenceforward could I say 
For three years, till of grief and misery. 
The lingering pest, the cruel enemy. 
My father and his folk were dead and gone, 
And in this castle I was left alone : 

" And then the doom foreseen upon me fell, 
For Queen Diana did my body change 



THE LADY OF THE LAND 

Into a fork-tongued dragon flesh and fell, 
And through the island nightly do I range, 
Or in the green see mate with monsters strange, 
When in the middle of the moonlit night 
The sleepy mariner I do afright. 

** But all day long upon this gold I lie 
Within this place, where never mason's hand 
Smote trowel on the marble noisily ; 
Drowsy I lie, no folk at my command, 
Who once was called the Lady of the Land ; 
Who might have bought a kingdom with a kiss, 
Yea, half the world with such a sight as this." 

And therewithal, with rosy fingers light, 
Backward her heavy -hanging hair she threw, 
To give her naked beauty more to sight ; 
But when, forgetting all the things he knew, 
Maddened with love unto the prize he drew. 
She cried, " Nay, wait ! for wherefore wilt thou die. 
Why should we not be happy, thou and I ? 

" Wilt thou not save me ? once in every year 
This rightful form of mine that thou dost see 
By favor of the goddess have I here 
From sunrise unto sunset given me. 
That some brave man may end my misery. 
And thou — art thou not brave ? can thy heart fail. 
Whose eyes e'en now are weeping at my tale ? 

'' Then listen ! when this day is overpast, 
A fearful monster shall I be again. 
And thou may'st be my savior at the last. 
Unless, once more, thy words are naught and vain ; 
If thou of love and sovereignty art fain. 
Come thou next morn, and when thou seest here 
A hideous dragon, have thereof no fear, 

*' But take the loathsome head up in thine hands. 
And kiss it, and be master presently 
Of twice the wealth that is in all the lands. 
From Cathay to the head of Italy ; 
And master also, if it pleaseth thee, 
Of all thou praisest as so fresh and bright. 
Of what thou callest crown of all delight. 



333 



334 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

^' Ah ! with what joy then shall I see again 
The sunlight on the green grass and the trees, 
And hear the clatter of the summer rain, 
And see the joyous folk beyond the seas. 
Ah, me ! to hold my child upon my knees, 
After the weeping of unkindly tears, 
And all the wrongs of these four hundred years. 

** Go now, go quick ! leave this gray heap of stone ; 
And from thy glad heart think upon thy way 
How I shall love thee — yea, love thee alone, 
That bringest me from dark death unto day ; 
For this shall be thy wages and thy pay ; 
Unheard-of wealth, unheard-of love is near, 
If thou hast heart a little dread to bear." 

Therewith she turned to go ; but he cried out, 
" Ah ! wilt thou leave me then without one kiss, 
To slay the very seeds of doubt and fear, 
That glad to-morrow may bring certain bliss ? 
Hast thou forgotten how love lives by this, 
The memory of some hopeful close embrace, 
Low whispered words within some lonely place ? " 

But she, when his bright glittering eyes she saw, 
And burning cheeks, cried out, ' ' Alas, alas ! 
Must I be quite undone, and wilt thou draw 
A worse fate on me than the first one was ? 
O haste thee from this fatal place to pass ! 
Yet, ere thou goest, take this, lest thou shouldst deem 
Thou hast been fooled by some strange midday dream. 

So saying, blushing like a new-kissed maid. 
From off her neck a little gem she drew, 
That, 'twixt those snowy rose-tinged hillocks laid, 
The secrets of her glorious beauty knew ; 
And, ere he well perceived what she would do, 
She touched his hand, the gem within it lay, 
And, turning, from his sight she fled away. 

Then at the doorway where her rosy heel 
Had glanced and vanished, he awhile did stare. 
And still upon his hand he seemed to feel 
The varying kisses of her fingers fair ; 
Then turned he toward the dreary crypt and bare. 
And dizzily throughout the castle passed. 
Till by the ruined fane he stood at last. 



THE LADY OF THE LAND. 335 

Then weighing still the gem within his hand, 
He stumbled backward through the cypress wood, 
Thinking the while of some strange lovely land. 
Where all his life should be most fair and good ; 
Till on the valley's wall of hills he stood, 
And slowly thence passed down unto the bay 
Red with the death of that bewildering day. 



THE next day came, and he, who all the night 
Had ceaselessly been turning in his bed, 
Arose and clad himself in armor bright. 
And many a danger he remembered ; 
Storming of towns, lone sieges full oif dread. 
That with renown his heart had borne him through, 
And this thing seemed a little thing to do. 

So on he went, and on the way he thought 
Of all the glorious things of yesterday. 
Naught of the price whereat they must be bought, 
But ever to himself did softly say, 
" No roaming now, my wars are passed away. 
No long dull days devoid of happiness. 
When such a love my yearning heart shall bless. " 

Thus to the castle did he come at last. 
But when unto the gateway he drew near. 
And underneath its ruined archway passed 
Into the court, a strange noise did he hear, 
And through his heart there shot a pang of fear, 
Trembling, he gat his sword into his hand, 
And midmost of the cloisters took his stand. 

But for a while that unknown noise increased 
A rattling, that with strident roars did blend. 
And whining moans ; but suddenly it ceased, 
A fearful thing stood at the cloister's end. 
And eyed him for a while, then 'gan to wend 
A down the cloisters, and began again 
That rattling, and the moan like fiends in pain. 

And as it came on towards him, with its teeth 
The body of a slain goat did it tear, 
The blood whereof in its hot jaws did seethe, 
And on its tongue he saw the smoking hair ; 



336 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Then his heart sank, and standing trembling there, 
Throughout his mind wild thoughts and fearful ran, 
" Some fiend she was," he said, "the bane of man." 

Yet he abode her still, although his blood 
Curdled within him : the thing dropped the goat, 
And creeping on, came close to where he stood. 
And raised its head to him and wrinkled throat. 
Then he cried out and wildly at her smote. 
Shutting his eyes, and turned and from the place 
Ran swiftly with a white and ghastly face. 

But little things rough stones and tree-trunks seemed, 
And if he fell, he rose and ran on still ; 
No more he felt his hurts than if he dreamed, 
He made no stay for valley or steep hill. 
Heedless he dashed through many a foaming rill, 
Until he came unto the ship at last. 
And with no word into the deep hold passed. 

Meanwhile the dragon, seeing him clean gone. 
Followed him not, but crying horribly. 
Caught up within her jaws a block of stone 
And ground it into powder, then turned she. 
With cries that folk could hear far out at sea, 
And reached the treasure set apart of old. 
To brood above the hidden heaps of gold. 

Yet was she seen again on many a day 
By some half- waking mariner, or herd. 
Playing amid the ripples of the bay. 
Or on the hills, making all things afeard. 
Or in the wood that did that castle gird. 
But never any man again durst go 
To seek her woman's form, and end her woe. 

As for the man, who knows what things he bore ? 
What mournful faces peopled the sad night, 
What wailings vexed him with reproaches sore. 
What images of that nigh-gained delight ! 
What dreamed caresses from soft hands and white, 
Turning to horrors ere they reached the best, 
What struggles vain, what shame, what huge unrest ? 

No man he knew, three days he lay and raved, 
And cried for death, until a lethargy 



JUNE. 337 

Fell on him, and his fellows thought him saved ; 
But on the third night he awoke to die ; 
And at Byzantium doth his body lie 
Between two blossoming pomegranate trees, 
Within the churchyard of the Genoese. 



A MOMENT'S silence as his tale had end, 
And then the wind of that June night did blend 
Their varied voices, as of that and this 
They fell to talk : of those fair islands' bhss 
They knew in other days, of hope they had 
To live there long an easy life and glad. 
With naught to vex them ; and the young men 
Began to nourish strange dreams even then 
Of sailing east, as these had once sailed west ; 
Because the story of that luckless quest 
With hope, not fear, had fihed their joyous hearts, 
And made them dream of new and noble parts 
That they might act ; of raising up the name 
Their fathers bore, and winning boundless fame. 
These too with little patience seemed to hear 
That story end with shame and grief and fear ; 
A little thing the man had had to do, 
They said, if longing burned within him so. 
But at their words, the older men must bow 
Their heads, and, smiling, somewhat thoughtful grow, 
Remembering well how fear in days gone by 
Had dealt with them, and poisoned wretchedly 
Good days, good deeds, and longings for all good : 
Yet on the evil times they would not brood. 
But sighing, strove to raise the weight of years. 
And no more memory of their hopes and fears 
They nourished, but such gentle thoughts as fed 
The pensiveness the lovely season bred. 



22 



338 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 



JULY. 



FAIR was the morn to-day, the blossom's scent 
Floated across the fresh grass, and the bees 
With low vexed song from rose to lily went, 
A gentle wind was in the heavy trees. 
And thine eyes shone with joyous memories ; 
Fair was the early morn, and fair wert thou. 
And I was happy^ — Ah, be happy now ! 

Peace and content without us, love within, 
That hour there was, now thunder and wild rain 
Have wrapped the cowering world, and foolish sin 
And nameless pride have made us wise in vain ; 
Ah, love ! although the morn shall come again, 
And on new rose-buds the new sun shall smile. 
Can we regain what we have lost meanwhile ? 

E'en now the west grows clear of storm and threat. 
But midst the lightning did the fair sun die — 
Ah ! he shall rise again for ages yet, 
He cannot waste his life — but thou and I — 
Who knows if next morn this felicity 
My lips may feel, or if thou still shalt live 
This seal of love renewed once more to give ? 



JULY. 339 



WITHIN a lovely valley, watered well 
With flowery streams, the July feast befell, 
And there within tlie Chief-priest's fair abode 
They cast aside their trouble's heavy load, 
Scarce made aweaiy by the sultry day. 
The earth no longer labored ; shaded lay 
The sweet-breathed kine, across the sunny vale, 
From hill to hill the wandering rook did sail, 
Lazily croaking, midst his dreams of spring. 
Nor more awake the pink-foot dove did cling 
Unto the beech-bough, murmuring now and then ; 
All rested but the restless sons of men. 
And the great sun, that wrought this happiness 
And all the vale with fruitful hopes did bless. 

So in a marble chamber bright with flowers. 
The old men feasted through the fresher hours, 
And at the hottest time of all the day, 
"When now the sun was on his downward way. 
Sat listening to a tale an elder told. 
New to his fathers while they yet did hold 
The cities of some far-off Grecian isle. 
Though in the heavens the cloud of force and guile 
Was gathering dark that sent them o'er the sea 
To win new lands for their posterity. 



THE SON OF CRCESUS. 



ARGUMENT. 

Crcesus, king of Lydia, dreamed that he saw his Son slain by an iron 
weapon, and though by every means he strove to avert this doom from 
him, yet thus it happened, for his Son was slain by the hand of the man 
who seemed least of all likely to do the deed. 

OF Croesus tells my tale, a king of old 
In Lydia, ere the Mede fell on the land, 
A man made mighty by great heaps of gold, 
Feared for the myriads strong of heart and hand 
That 'neath his banners wrought out his command, 
And though his latter ending fell to ill. 
Yet first of every joy he had his fill. 

Two sons he had, and one was dumb from birth ; 
The other one, that Atys had to name. 
Grew up a fair youth, and of might and worth. 
And well it seemed the race wherefrom he came 
From him should never get reproach or shame : 
But yet no stroke he struck before his death. 
In no war-shout he spent his latest breath. 

Now Croesus, lying on his bed a-night. 
Dreamed that he saw this dear son lying low, 
And folk lamenting he was slain outright. 
And that some iron thing had dealt the blow ; 
By whose hand guided he could nowise know, 
Or if in peace by traitors it were done. 
Or in some open war not yet begun. 

Three times one night the vision broke his sleepj 
So that at last he rose up from his bed. 
That he might ponder how he best might keep 
The threatened danger from so dear a head ; 
And, since he now was old enough to wed, 
The King sent men to search the lands around. 
Until some matchless maiden should be found ; 



THE SON OF CRCESUS, 341 

That in her arms this Atys might forget 
The praise of men, and fame of history, 
Whereby full many a field has been made wet 
With blood of men, and many a deep green sea 
Been reddened therewithal, and yet shall be ; 
That her sweet voice might drown the people's praise, 
Her eyes make bright the uneventful days. 

So when at last a wonder they had brought, 
From some sweet land down by the ocean's rim, 
Than whom no fairer could by man be thought, 
And ancient dames, scanning her limb by Hmb, 
Had said that she was fair enough for him, 
To her was Atys married with much show. 
And looked to dwell with her in bhss enow. 

And in meantime afield he never went. 
Either to hunting or the frontier war, 
No dart was cast, nor any engine bent 
Anigh him, and the Lydian men afar 
Must rein their steeds, and the bright blossoms mar, 
If they have any lust of tourney now, 
And in far meadows must they bend the bow. 

And also through the palace everywhere 
The swords and spears were taken from the wall 
That long with honor had been hanging there. 
And from the golden pillars of the hall ; 
Lest by mischance some sacred blade should fall. 
And in its falling bring revenge at last 
For many a fatal battle overpast. 

And every day King Croesus wrought with care 
To save his dear son from that threatened end, 
And many a beast he offered up with prayer 
Unto the god, and much of wealth did spend. 
That they so prayed might yet perchance defend 
That life, until at least that he were dead. 
With earth laid heavy on his unseen head. 

But in the midst even of the wedding feast 
There came a man, who by the golden hall 
Sat down upon the steps, and man or beast 
He heeded not, but there against the wall 
He leaned his head, speaking no word at all, 



342 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Till, with his son and son's wife, came the King, 
And then unto his gown the man did cling. 

'* What man art thou? " the King said to him then, 
*' That in such guise thou pray est on thy knee ; 
Hast thou some fell foe here among my men ? 
Or hast thou done an ill deed unto me ? 
Or has thy wife been carried over sea ? 
Or hast thou on this day great need of gold ? 
Or say why else thou now art grown so bold." 

'' O King/' he said, " I ask no gold to-day, 
And though indeed thy greatness drew me here, 
No wrong have I that thou could'st wipe away ; 
And naught of mine the pirate folk did bear 
Across the sea ; none of thy folk I fear : 
But all the gods are now mine enemies. 
Therefore I kneel before thee on my knees. 

** For as with mine own brother on a day 
Within the running place at home I played. 
Unwittingly I smote him in such way 
That dead upon the green grass he was laid ; 
Half-dead myself I fled away dismayed. 
Wherefore I pray thee help me in my need. 
And purify my soul of this sad deed. 

" If of my name and country thou wouldst know, 
In Phrygia yet my father is a king, 
Gordius, the son of Midas, rich enow 
In corn and cattle, golden cup and ring ; 
And mine own name before I did this thing 
Was called Adrastus, whom, in street and hall, 
The slayer of his brother men now call." 

'' Friend," said the King, " have thou no fear of me ; 
For though, indeed, I am right happy now. 
Yet well I know this may not always be. 
And I may chance some day to kneel full low, 
And to some happy man mine head to bow 
With prayers to do a greater thing than this, 
Dwell thou with us and win again thy bliss. 

" For in this city men in sport and play 
Forget the trouble that the gods have sent ; 
Who therewithal send wine, and many a may 



THE SON OF CRCESUS. 

As fair as she for whom the Trojan went, 
And many a dear delight besides have lent, 
Which, whoso is well loved of them shall keep 
Till in forgetful death he falls asleep. 

"Therefore to-morrow shall those rites be done 
That kindred blood demands that thou hast shed, 
That if the mouth of thine own mother's son 
Did hap to curse thee ere he was quite dead, 
The curse may lie the lighter on thy head, 
Because the flower-crowned head of many a beast 
Has fallen voiceless in our glorious feast." 

Then did Adrastus rise and thank the King, 
* And the next day when yet low was the sun, 
The sacrifice and every other thing 
That unto these dread rites belonged, was done ; 
And there Adrastus dwelt, hated of none. 
And loved of many, and the King loved him, 
For brave and wise he was and strong of limb. 

But chiefly amongst all did Atys love 
The luckless stranger, whose fair tales of war 
The Lydian's heart abundantly did move, 
And much they talked of wandering afar 
Some day to lands where many marvels are, 
With still the Phrygian through all things to be 
The leader unto all felicity. 

Now at this time folk came unto the King 
Who on a forest's borders dwelling were, 
Wherein there roamed full many a dangerous thing, 
As wolf and wild bull, lion and brown bear ; 
But chiefly in that forest was the lair 
Of a great boar that no man could withstand. 
And many a woe he wrought upon the land. 

Since long ago that men in Calydon 
Held chase, no beast like him had once been seen ; 
He ruined vineyards lying in the sun ; 
After his harvesting the men must glean 
What he had left, right glad they had not been 
Among the tall stalks of the ripening wheat 
The fell destroyer's fatal tusks to meet. 

For often would the lonely man entrapped 
In vain from his dire fury strive to hide 



343 



344 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

In some thick hedge, and other whiles it happed 
Some careless stranger by his place would ride, 
And the tusks smote his fallen horse's side, 
And what help then to such a wretch could come 
With sword he could not draw, and far from home ? 

Or else girls, sent their water-jars to fill. 
Would come back pale, too terrified to cry. 
Because they had but seen him from the hill ; 
Or else again, with side rent wretchedly. 
Some hapless damsel midst the brake would lie. 
Shortly to say, there neither man nor maid 
Was safe afield whether they wrought or played. 

Therefore were come these dwellers by the wood 
To pray the King brave men to them to send. 
That they might live ; and if he deemed it good, 
That Atys with the other knights should wend. 
They thought their grief the easier should have end ; 
For both by gods and men they knew him loved. 
And easily by hope of glory moved. 

'* O Sire," they said, " thou know'st how Hercules 
Was not content to wait till folk asked aid, 
But sought the pests among their guarded trees ; 
Thou know'st what name the Theban Cadmus made, 
And how the bull of Marathon was laid 
Dead on the fallows of the Athenian land, 
And how folk worshipped Atalanta's hand. 

" Fair would thy son's name look upon the roll 
Wherein such noble deeds as this are told ; 
And great delight shall surely fill thy soul. 
Thinking upon his deeds when thou art old. 
And thy brave heart is waxen faint and cold : 
Dost thou not know, O King, how men will strive 
That they, when dead, still in their sons may live ? " 

He shuddered as they spoke, because he thought, 
Most certainly a winning tale is this 
To draw him from the net where he is caught, 
For hearts of men grow weary of all bliss ; 
Nor is he one to be content with his, 
If he should hear the trumpet-blast of fame 
And far-off people calling on his name. 



THE SON OF CRCESUS. 

" Good friends," he said, **go, get ye back again, 
And doubt not I will send you men to slay 
This pest ye fear : yet shall your prayer be vain 
If ye with any other speak to-day ; 
And for my son, with me he needs must stay, 
For mighty cares oppress the Lydian land. 
Fear not, for ye shall have a noble band. " 

And with that promise must they be content. 
And so departed, having feasted well. 
And yet some god or other ere they went. 
If they were silent, this their tale must tell 
To more than one man ; therefore it befell. 
That at the last Prince Atys knew the thing. 
And came with angry eyes unto the King. 

" Father,'' he said, *' since when am I grown vile ? 
Since when am I grown helpless of my hands ? 
Or else what folk, with words inwrought with guile, 
Thine ears have poisoned ; that when far-off lands 
My fame might fill, by thy most strange commands 
I needs must stay within this slothful home, 
Whereto would God that I had never come ? 

*' What ! wilt thou take mine honor quite away ? 
Wouldst thou, that, as with her I just have wed 
I sit among thy folk at end of day, 
She should be ever turning round her head 
To watch some man for war apparelled. 
Because he wears a sword that he may use. 
Which grace to me thou ever wilt refuse ? 

'' Or dost thou think, when thou hast run thy race 
And thou art gone, and in thy stead I reign, 
The people will do honor to my place, 
Or, that the lords leal men will still remain. 
If yet my father's sword be sharp in vain ? 
If on the wall his armor still hang up, 
While for a spear I hold a drinking-cup ? " 

'' O Son ! '' quoth Croesus, *' well I know thee brave. 
And worthy of high deeds of chivalry ; 
Therefore the more thy dear life would I save. 
Which now is threatened by the gods on high ; 
Three times one night I dreamed I saw thee die, 



345 



346 THE EARTHLY pARADISE. 

Slain by some deadly iron-pointed thing, 

While weeping lords stood round thee in a ring." 

Then loud laughed Atys, and he said again, 
* ' Father, and did this ugly dream tell thee 
"What day it was on which I should be slain ? 
As may the gods grant I may one day be, 
And not from sickness die right wretchedly, 
Groaning with pain, my lords about my bed, 
Wishing to God that I were fairly dead ; 

*' But slain in battle, as the Lydian kings 
Have died ere now, in some great victory, 
While all about the Lydian shouting rings 
Death to the beaten foemen as they fly. 
What death but this, O father ! should I die ? 
But if my life by iron shall be done, 
What steel to-day shall glitter in the sun ? 

** Yea, father, if to thee it seemeth good 
To keep me from the bright steel-bearing throng, 
Let me be brave at least within the wood ; 
For surely, if thy dream be true, no wrong 
Can hap to me from this beast's tushes strong : 
Unless perchance the beast is grown so wise, 
He haunts the fbrest clad in Lydian guise. " 

Then Croesus said : *' O Son, I love thee so, 
That thou shalt do thy will upon this tide : 
But since unto this hunting thou must go, 
A trusty friend along with thee shall ride, 
Who not for anything shall leave thy side. 
I think, indeed, he loves thee well enow 
To thrust his heart 'twixt thee and any blow. 

*' Go then, O Son, and if by some short span 
Thy Hfe be measured, how shall it harm thee. 
If while life last thou art a happy man ? 
And thou art happy ; only unto me 
Is trembling left, and infelicity : 
The trembling of the man who loves on earth, 
But unto thee is hope and present mirth. 

" Nay, be thou not ashamed, for on this day 
I fear not much : thou read'st my dream aright, 
No teeth or claws shall take thy life away. 



THE SON OF CRCESUS. 347 

And it may chance, ere thy last glorious fight, 
I shall be blinded by the endless night ; 
And brave Adrastus on this day shall be 
Thy safeguard, and shall give good heart to me. 

*' Go then, and send him hither, and depart -, 
And as the heroes did may'st thou too do, 
Winning such fame as well may please thine heart." 
With that word from the King did Atys go, 
Who, left behind, sighed saying, " May it be so, 
Even as I hope ; and yet I would to God 
These men upon my threshold ne'er had trod." 

So when Adrastus to the King was come 
He said unto him, " O my Phrygian friend, 
We in this land have given you a fair home. 
And 'gainst all foes your life will we defend : 
Wherefore for us that life thou shouldest spend, 
If any day there should be need therefore ; 
And now a trusty friend I need right sore. 

" Doubtless ere now thou hast heard many say 
There is a doom that threatens my son's life ; 
Therefore this place is stript of arms to-day, 
And therefore still bides Atys with his wife, 
And tempts not any god by raising strife ; 
Yet none the less by no desire of his, 
To whom would war be most abundant bliss. 

" And since to-day some glory he may gain 
Against a monstrous bestial enemy. 
And that the meaning of my dream is plain, 
That saith that he by steel alone shall die. 
His burning wish I may not well deny ; 
Therefore afield to-morrow doth he wend 
And herein may'st thou show thyself my friend — 

** For thou as captain of his band shalt ride. 
And keep a watchful eye of everything. 
Nor leave him whatsoever may betide : 
Lo, thou art brave, the son of a great king, 
And with thy praises doth this city ring, 
Why should I tell thee what a name those gain. 
Who, dying for their friends, die not in vain." 

Then said Adrastus, ' ' Now were I grown base 
Beyond all words, if I should spare for aught 



348 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

In guarding him, so sit with smiling face, 
And of this matter take no further thought, 
Because with my Hfe shall his life be bought. 
If ill should hap ; and no ill fate it were, 
If I should die for what I hold so dear. " 

Then went Adrastus, and next morn all things, 
That 'longed unto the hunting, were well dight, 
And forth they went clad as the sons of kings, 
Fair was the morn, as through the sunshine bright 
They rode, the prince half-wild with great dehght. 
The Phrygian smiling on him soberly, 
And ever looking round with watchful eye. 

So through the city all the rout rode fast 
With many a great black-muzzled yellow hound. 
And then the teeming country-side they passed. 
Until they came to sour and rugged ground, 
And there rode up a little heathy mound, 
That overlooked the scrubby woods and low. 
That of the beast's lair somewhat they might know. 

And there a good man of the country-side 
Showed them the places where he mostly lay ; 
And they, descending, through the wood did ride, 
And followed on his tracks for half the day. 
And at the last they brought him well to bay. 
Within an oozy space amidst the wood. 
About the which a ring of alders stood. 

So when the hounds' changed voices clear they heard, 
With hearts aflame on towards him straight they drew ; 
Atys the first of all, of naught afeard. 
Except that folk should say some other slew 
The beast ; and lustily his horn he blew, 
Going afoot ; then, mighty spear in hand, 
Adrastus headed all the following band. 

Now when they came unto the plot of ground 
Where stood the boar, hounds dead about him lay 
Or sprawled about, bleeding from many a wound. 
But still the others held him well at bay, 
Nor had he been bestead ere thus that day. 
But yet, seeing Atys, straight he rushed at him. 
Speckled with foam, bleeding in flank and limb. 



THE SON OF CRCESUS. 349 

Then Atys stood and cast his well-steeled spear 
With a great shout, and straight and well it flew ; 
For now the broad blade, cutting through the ear, 
A stream of blood from out the shoulder drew. 
And therewithal another, no less true, 
Adrastus cast, whereby the boar had died : 
But Atys drew the bright sword from his side, 

And to the tottering beast he drew anigh : 
But as the sun's rays ran adown the blade 
Adrastus threw a javelin hastily. 
For of the mighty beast was he afraid. 
Lest by his wounds he should not yet be stayed, 
But with a last rush cast his life away. 
And dying there, the son of Croesus slay. 

But even as the feathered dart he hurled, 
His strained,- despairing eyes beheld the end. 
And changed seemed all the fashion of the world, 
And past and future into one did blend. 
As he beheld the fixed eyes of his friend. 
That no reproach had in them, and no fear. 
For Death had seized him ere he thought him near. 

Adrastus shrieked, and running up he caught 
The falling man, and from his bleeding side 
Drew out the dart, and, seeing that death had brought 
Deliverance to him, he thereby had died ; 
But ere his hand the luckless steel could guide, 
And he the refuge of poor souls could win. 
The horror-stricken huntsmen had rushed in. 

And these, with blows and cries he heeded naught, 
His unresisting hands made haste to bind ; 
Then of the alder-boughs a bier they wrought. 
And laid the corpse thereon, and 'gan to wind 
Homeward amidst the tangled wood and blind, 
And going slowly, at the eventide. 
Some leagues from Sardis did that day abide. 

Onward next morn the slaughtered man they bore, 
With him that slew him, and at end of day 
They reached the city, and with mourning sore 
Toward the king's palace did they take their way. 
He in an open western chamber lay 



350 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Feasting, though inwardly his heart did burn 
Until that Atys should to him return. 

And when those wails first smote upon his ear 
He set the wine-cup down, and to his feet 
He rose, and bitter all-consuming fear 
Swallowed his joy, and nigh he went to meet 
That which was coming through the weeping street : 
But in the end he thought it good to wait, 
And stood there doubting all the ills of fate. 

But when at last up to that royal place 
Folk brought the thing he once had held so dear, 
Still stood the King, staring with ghastly face 
As they brought forth Adrastus and the bier, 
But spoke at last sloWly without a tear, 
" O Phrygian man, that I did purify. 
Is it through thee that Atys came to die ? " 

" O King," Adrastus said, *' take now my life, 
With whatso torment seemeth good to thee. 
As my word went, for I would end this strife, 
And underneath the earth lie quietly ; 
Nor is it my will here alive to be : 
For as my brother, so Prince Atys died. 
And this unlucky hand some god did guide." 

Then as a man constrained, the tale he told 
From end to end, nor spared himself one whit : 
And as he spoke, the wood did still behold, 
Tbe trodden grass, and Atys dead on it ; 
And many a change o'er the King^s face did flit 
Of kingly rage and hatred and despair. 
As on the slayer's face he still did stare. 

At last he said, *' Thy death avails me naught, 
The gods themselves have done this bitter deed. 
That I was all too happy was their thought. 
Therefore thy heart is dead and mine doth bleed, 
And I am helpless as a trodden weed : 
Thou art but as the handle of the spear. 
The caster sits far off from any fear. 

" Yet, if thy hurt they meant, I can do this, — 
— Loose him and let him go in peace from me — 
I will not slay the slayer of all my bliss ; 



THE SON OF CRCESUS, 351 

Yet go, poor man, for when thy face I see 

I curse the gods for their felicity. 

Surely some other slayer they would have found, 

If thou hadst long ago been under ground. 

"Alas, Adrastus ! in my inmost heart 
I knew the gods would one day do this thing, 
But deemed indeed that it would be thy part 
To comfort me amidst my sorrowing ; 
Make haste to go, for I am still a King ! 
Madness may take me, I have many hands 
Who will not spare to do my worst commands." 

With that Adrastus' bonds were done away. 
And forthwith to the city gates he ran, 
And on the road where they had been that day 
Rushed through the gathering night ; and some lone man 
Beheld next day his visage wild and wan, 
Peering from out a thicket of the wood 
Where he had spilt that well-beloved blood. 

And now the day of burial pomp must be," 
And to those rites all lords of Lydia came 
About the King, and that day they and he 
Cast royal gifts of rich things on the flame ; 
But while they stood and wept, and called by name 
Upon the dead, amidst them came a man 
With raiment rent, and haggard face and wan : 

Who, when the marshals would have thrust him out 
And men looked strange on him, began to say, 
** Surely the world is changed since ye have doubt 
Of who I am ; nay, turn me not away, 
For ye have called me princely ere to-day — 
Adrastus, son of Gordius, a great King, 
Where unto Pallas Phrygian maidens sing. 

*' O Lydians, many a rich thing have ye cast 
Into this flame, but I myself will give 
A greater gift, since now I see at last 
The gods are wearied for that still I live. 
And with their will why should I longer strive ? 
Atys, O Atys, thus I give to thee 
A life that lived for thy felicity. " 

And therewith from his side a knife he drew, 
And, crying out, upon the pile he leapt, 



352 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

And with one mighty stroke himself he slew. 
So there these princes both together slept, 
And their light ashes, gathered up, w^ere kept 
Within a golden vessel wrought all o^er 
With histories of this hunting of the boar. 



A GENTLE wind had risen midst his tale, 
That bore the sweet scents of the fertile vale 
In at the open windows ; and these men 
The burden of their years scarce noted then. 
Soothed by the sweet luxurious summer time, 
And by the cadence of that ancient rhyme, 
Spite of its saddening import ; nay, indeed. 
Of some such thoughts the Wanderers had need 
As that tale gave them — Yea, a man shall be 
A wonder for his glorious chivalry. 
First in all wisdom, of a prudent mind. 
Yet none the less him too his fate shall find 
Unfenced by these, a man 'mongst other men. 
Yea, and will Fortune pick out, now and then, 
The noblest for the anvil of her blows ; 
Great names are few, and yet, indeed, who knows 
What greater souls have fallen 'neath the stroke 
Of careless fate ? Purblind are most of folk, 
The happy are the masters of the earth 
Which ever give small heed to liapless worth ; 
So goes the world, and this we needs must bear 
Like eld and death : yet there were some men there 
Who drank in silence to the memory 
Of those who failed on earth great men to be, 
Though better than the men who won the crown. 

But when the sun was fairly going down 
They left the house, and, following up the stream, 
In the low sun saw the kingfisher gleam 
'Twixt bank and alder, and the grebe steal out 
From the high sedge, and, in his restless doubt. 
Dive down, and rise to see what men were there ; 
They saM^ the swallow chase high up in air 
The circling gnats ; the shaded dusky pool 
Broke by the splashing chub ; the ripple cool, 
Rising and falling, of some distant weir 
They heard, till it oppressed the listening ear, 
As twilight grew : so back they turned again 
Glad of their, rest, and pleasure after pain. 



JUNE. 353 



WITHIN the gardens once again they met. 
That now the roses did welhiigh forget, 
For hot July was drawing to an end, 
And August came the fainting year to mend 
With fmit and grain ; so, 'neath the trellises, 
Nigh blossomless, did they lie well at ease. 
And watched the poppies burn across the grass, 
And o'er the bindweed's bells the brown bee pass 
Still murmuring of his gains : windless and bright 
The morn had been, to help their dear delight ; 
But heavy clouds ere noon grew round the sun, 
And, halfway to the zenith, wild and dun 
The sky grew, and the thunder growled afar ; 
But, ere the steely clouds began their war, 
A change there came, and, as by some great hand, 
The clouds that hung in threatening o'er the land 
Were drawn away ; then a light wind arose 
That shook the light stems of that flowery close, 
And made men sigh for pleasure ; therewithal 
Did mirth upon the feasting elders fall. 
And they no longer watched the lowering sky, 
But called aloud for some new history. 

Then spoke the Suabian, " Sirs, this tale is told 
Among our searchers for fine stones and gold. 
And though- 1 tell it wrong be good to me ; 
For I the written book did never see, 
Made by some Fleming, as I think, wherein 
Is told this tale of wilfulness and sin." 



23 



THE WATCHING OF THE FALCON. 



ARGUMENT. 

The case of this Falcon was such, that whoso watched it without sleeping 
for seven days and seven nights, had. his first wish granted him by a 
fay lady, that appeared to him thereon ; and some wished one thing, 
and some another. But a certain King, who watched the Falcon daily, 
would wish for naught but the love of that fay; which wish, being 
accomplished, was afterwards his ruin. 

ACROSS the sea a land there is, 
Where, if fate will, may men have bliss. 
For it is fair as any land : 
There hath the reaper a full hand, 
While in the orchard hangs aloft 
The purple fig a-growing soft ; 
And fair the trellised vine -bunches 
Are swung across the high elm-trees ; 
And in the rivers great fish play. 
While over them pass day by day 
The laden barges to their place. 
There maids are straight, and fair of face, 
And men are stout for husbandry, 
And all is well as it can be 
Upon this earth where all has end. 

For on them God is pleased to send 
The gift of Death down from above, 
That envy, hatred, and hot love. 
Knowledge with hunger by his side, 
And avarice and deadly pride. 
There may have end like every thing 
Both to the shepherd and the king : 
Lest this green earth become but hell 
If folk thereon should ever dwell. 

Full little most men think of this. 
But half in woe and half in bliss 
They pass their lives, and die at last 
Unwilling, though their lot be cast 
In wretched places of the earth, 



WATCHING OF THE FALCON, 355 

Where men have little joy from birth 

Until they die ; in no such case 

Were those who tilled this pleasant place. 

There soothly men were loath to die, 
Though sometimes in his misery 
A man would say, " Would I were dead ! " 
Alas ! full little likelihead 
That he should live forever there. 

So folk within that country fair 
Lived on, nor from their memories drave 
The thought of what they could not have, 
And without need tormented still 
Each other with some bitter ill ; 
Yea, and themselves too, growing gray 
With dread of some long-lingering day, 
That never came ere they were dead 
With green sods growing on the head ; 
Nowise content with what they had, 
But falling still from good to bad 
While hard they sought the hopeless best ; 
And seldom happy or at rest 
Until at last with lessening blood 
One foot within the grave they stood. 

Now so it chanced that in this land 
There did a certain castle stand, ^ 

Set all alone deep in the hills. 
Amid the sound of falling rills 
Within a valley of sweet grass, 
To whicii there went one narrow pass 
Through the dark hills, but seldom trod. 
Rarely did horse-hoof press the sod 
About the quiet weedy moat, 
When unscared did the great fish float ; 
Because men dreaded there to see 
The uncouth things of faerie ; 
Nathless by some few fathers old 
These tales about the place were told — 

That neither squire nor seneschal 
Or varlet came in bower or hall, 
Yet all things were in order due, 
Hangings of gold and red and blue, 
And tables with fair service set ; 
Cups that had paid the Caesar's debt 
Could he have laid his hands on them ; 
Dorsars, with pearls in every hem, 



356 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

And fair embroidered gold-wrought things, 
Fit for a company of kings ; 
And in the chambers dainty beds, 
With pillows dight for fair young heads ; 
And horses in the stables were, 
And in the cellars wine full clear 
And strong, and casks of ale and mead ; 
Yea, all things a great lord could need. 

For whom these things were ready there 
None knew ; but if one chanced to fare 
Into that place at Easter-tide, 
There would he find a falcon tied 
Unto a pillar of the Hall ; 
And such a fate to him would fall, 
That if unto the seventh night 
He watched the bird from dark to light 
And light to dark unceasingly. 
On the last evening he should see 
A lady beautiful past words ; 
Then, were he come of clowns or lords, 
Son of a swineherd or a king, 
There must she grant him anything 
Perforce, that he might dare to ask, 
And do his very hardest task. 

But if he slumbered, ne'er again 

^ The wretch would wake, for he was slain 

Helpless by hands he could not see. 

And his corpse mangled wretchedly. 

Now said these elders — Ere this tide 
Full many folk this thing have tried. 
But few have got much good thereby ; 
For first, a many came to die 
By slumbering ere their watch was done ; 
Or else they saw that lovely one. 
And, mazed, they knew not what to say ; 
Or asked for some. small thing that day 
That easily they might have won, 
Nor staked their lives and souls thereon ; 
Or, asking, asked for some great thing 
That was their bane ; as to be king 
One asked, and died the morrow morn 
That he was crowned, of all forlorn. 

Yet thither came a certain man. 
Who from being poor great riches wan 
Past telling, whose grandsons now are 



WATCHING OF THE FALCON. 357 

Great lords thereby in peace and war. 
And in their coat-of-arms they bear, 
Upon a field of azure fair, 
A castle and a falcon, set 
Below a chief of golden fret. 

And in our day a certain knight 
Prayed to be worsted in no fight, 
And so it happed to him : yet he 
Died none the less most wretchedly, 
And all his prowess was in vain. 
For by a losel was he slain. 
As on the highway side he slept 
One sum-mer night, of no man kept. 

Such tales as these the fathers old 
About that lonely castle told ; 
And in their day the King must try 
Himself to prove that mystery, 
Although, unless the fay could give 
Forever on the earth to live, 
Naught could he ask that he had not : 
For boundless riches he had got. 
Fair children, and a faithful wife ; 
And happily had passed his life, 
And all fulfilled of victory, 
Yet w^as he fain this thing to see. 

So towards the mountains he set out 
One noontide, with a gallant rout 
Of knights and lords, and as the day 
Began to fail came to the way 
Where he must enter all alone, 
Between the dreary walls of stone. 
Thereon to that fair company 
He bade farewell, who wistfully 
Looked backward oft as home they rode. 
But in the entry he abode 
Of that rough unknown narrowing pass, 
Where twilight at the high noon was. 

Then onward he began to ride : 
Smooth rose the rocks on every side, 
And seemed as they v/ere cut by man ; 
Adown them ever water ran. 
But they of living things were bare. 
Yea, not a blade of grass grew there ; " 
And underfoot rough was the way, 
For scattered all about there lay 



353 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Great jagged pieces of black stone. 
Throughout the pass the wind did moan 
With such wild noises, that the King 
Could almost think he heard something 
Spoken of men ; as one might hear 
The voices of folk standing near 
One's chamber wall : yet saw he naught 
Except those high walls strangely wrought, 
And overhead the strip of sky. 

So, going onward painfully, 
He met therein no evil thing, 
But came about the sunsetting 
Unto the opening of the pass, 
And thence beheld a vale of grass 
Bright with the yellow daffodil ; 
And all the vale the sun did fill 
With his last glory. Midmost there 
Rose up a stronghold, built foursquare, 
Upon a flowery grassy mound, 
That moat and high wall ran around. 

Thereby he saw a walled pleasance, 
With walks and sward fit for the dance 
Of Arthur's court in its best time. 
That seemed to feel some magic clime ; 
For though through all the vale outside 
Things were as in the April-tide, 
And daffodils and cowslips grew, 
And hidden the March violets blew ;' 
Within the bounds of that sweet close 
W^as trellised the bewildering rose ; 
There was the lily over-sweet. 
And starry pinks for garlands meet ; 
And apricots hung on the wall 
And midst the flowers did peaches fall, 
And naught had blemish there or spot, 
For in that place decay was not. 

Silent awhile the King abode 
Beholding all, then on he rode 
And to the castle-gate drew nigh, 
Till fell the drawbridge silently, 
And when across it he did ride 
He found the great gates open wide, 
And entered there, but as he passed 
The gates were shut behind him fast. 
But not before that he could see 
The drawbridge rise up silently. 



WATCHING OF THE FALCON, 359 

Then round he gazed oppressed with awe, 
And there no hving thing he saw 
Except the sparrows in the eaves, 
As restless as hght autumn leaves 
Blown by the fitful rainy wind. 
Thereon his final goal to find, 
He lighted off his war-horse good 
And let him wander as he would, 
When he had eased him of his gear ; 
Then gathering heart against his fear, 
Just at the silent end of day 
Through the fair porch he took his way. 
And found at last a goodly hall 
With glorious hangings on the wall, 
Inwrought with trees of every clime. 
And stories of the ancient time, 
But all of sorcery they were. 
For o'er the dais Venus fair, 
Fluttered about by many a dove. 
Made hopeless men for hopeless love, 
Both sick and sorry ; there they stood 
Wrought wonderfully in various mood. 
But wasted all by that hid fire 
Of measureless o'er-sweet desire, 
And let the hurrying world go by 
Forgetting all felicity. 
But down the hall the tale was wrought 
How Argo in old time was brought 
To Colchis for the fleece of gold. 
And on the other side was told 
How mariners for long years came 
To Circe, winning grief and shame, 
Until at last by hardihead 
And craft Ulysses won her bed. 

Long upon these the King did look 
And of them all good heed he took ; 
To see if they would tell him aught 
About the matter that he sought, 
But all were of the times long past ; 
So going all about, at last, 
When grown nigh weary of his search, 
A falcon on a silver perch 
Anigh the dais did he see, 
And wondered, because certainly 
At his first coming 't was not there ; 
But 'neath the bird a scroll most fair, 



36o THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

With golden letters on the white, 
He saw, and in the dim twilight 
By diligence could he read this ; — 

'' Ye who have not enow of bliss ^ 
And in this hard world labor sore, 
By manhood here may get you more. 
And be fulfilled of everything, 
Till ye be inasters of the Kijtg. 

And yet, since I who promise this 
Am nozvise God to give 7nan bliss 
Past endi7tg, now in tijne beware. 
And if you. live in little care 
At this ti77ie get you back agaijt. 
Lest unknown woe you chance to gain 
Ifi wishing for a thing tmtried,'^ 

A little while did he abide, 
When he had read this, deep in thought, 
Wondering indeed if there were aught 
He had not got that a wise man 
Would wish ; yet in his mind it ran 
That he might win a boundless realm, 
Yea, come to wear upon his helm 
The crown of the whole conquered earth ; 
That all who lived thereon, from birth 
To death, should call him King and Lord, 
And great kings tremble at his word, 
Until in turn he came to die. 
Therewith a little did he sigh, 
But thought, " Of Alexander yet 
Men talk, nor w^ould they e'er forget 
My name, if this should come to be, 
Whoever should come after me : 
But while I lay wrapped round with gold 
Should tales and histories manifold 
Be written of me, false and true ; 
And as the time still onward drew 
Almost a god would folk count me, 
Saying, ' In our time none such be.' " 
But therewith did he sigh again. 
And said, " Ah, vain, and worse than vain ! 
For though the world forget me naught. 
Yet by that time should I be brought 
Where all the world I should forget. 
And bitterly should I regret 



WATCHING OF THE FALCON, 361 

That T, from godlike great renown, 
To helpless death must fall adown : 
How could I bear to leave it all ? " 

Then straight upon his mind did fall 
Thoughts of old longings half-forgot, 
Matters for which his heart was hot 
A while ago : whereof no more 
He cared for some, and some right sore 
Had vexed him, being fulfilled at last. 
And when the thought of these had passed, 
Still something was there left behind, 
That by no torturing of his mind 
Could he in any language name, 
Or into form of wishing frame. 

At last he thought, ** What matters it ? 
Before these seven days shall flit 
Some great thing surely shall I find. 
That gained will not leave grief behind, 
Nor turn to deadly injury. 
So now will I let these things be 
And think of some unknown delight. '* 

Now, therewithal, was come the night, 
And thus his watch was well begun ; 
And till the rising of the sun. 
Waking, he paced about the hall. 
And saw the hangings on the wall 
Fade into naught, and then grow white 
In patches by the pale moonlight, 
And then again fade utterly 
As still the moonbeams passed them by ; 
Then in a while, with hope of day, 
Begin a little to grow gray. 
Until familiar things they grew. 
As up at last the great sun drew, 
And lit them with his yellow light 
At ending of another night. 

Then right glad was he of the day, 
That passed with him in such like way ; 
For neither man nor beast came near, 
Nor any voices did he hear, 
And when again it drew to night 
Silent it passed, till first twilight 
Of morning came, and then he heard 
The feeble twittering of some bird, 



362 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

That, in that utter silence drear, 
Smote harsh and startling on his ear. 

Therewith came on that lonely day 
That passed him in no other way ; 
And thus six days and nights went by 
And nothing strange had come anigh. 

And on that day he wellnigh deemed 
^ That all that story had been dreamed. 
Daylight and dark, and night and day, 
Passed ever in their wonted way ; 
The w^ind played in the trees outside, 
The rooks from out the high trees cried ; 
And all seemed natural and fair, 
With little signs of magic there. 
Yet neither could he quite forget 
That close with summer blossoms set, 
And fruit hung on trees blossoming, 
When all about was early spring. 
Yea, if all this by man were made. 
Strange was it that still undecayed 
The food lay on the tables still, 
Unchanged by man, that wine did fill 
The golden cups, still bright and red. 
And all was so apparelled 
For guests that came not, yet was all 
As though that servants filled the hall. 

So waxed and waned his hopes, and still 
He formed no wish for good or ill. 

And while he thought of this and that 
Upon his perch the falcon sat 
Unfed, unhooded, his bright eyes 
Beholders of the hard-earned prize. 
Glancing around him restlessly, 
As though he knew the time drew nigh 
When this long watching should be done. 

So little by httle fell the sun, 
From high noon unto sunsetting ; 
And in that lapse of time the King, 
Though still he woke, yet none the less 
Was dreaming in his sleeplessness 
Of this and that which he had done 
Before this watch he had begun ; 
' Till with a start he looked at last 

About him, and all dreams were past ; 
For now, though it was past twilight 



WATCHING OF THE FALCON. 363 

Without, within all grew as bright 
As when the noon-sun smote the wall, 
Though no lamp shone within the hall. 

Then rose the King upon his feet. 
And wellnigh heard his own heart beat, 
And grew all pale for hope and fear, 
As sound of footsteps caught his ear 
But soft, and as some fair lady, 
Going as gently as might be, 
Stopped now and then awhile, distraught 
By pleasant wanderings of sweet thought. 

Nigher the sound came, and more nigh. 
Until the King unwittingly 
Trembled, and felt his hair arise, 
But on the door still kept his eyes. 
That opened soon, and in the light 
There stepped alone a lady bright, 
And made straight toward him up the hall. 

In golden garments was she clad 
And round her waist a belt she had 
Of emeralds fair, and from her feet, 
That shod with gold the floor did meet, 
She held the raiment daintily. 
And on her golden head had she 
A rose-wreath round a pearl-wrought crown. 
Softly she walked with eyes cast down, 
Nor looked she any other than 
An earthly lady, though no man 
Has seen so fair a thing as she. 

So, when her face the King could see. 
Still more he trembled, and he thought 
** Surely my wish is hither brought. 
And this will be a goodly day 
If for mine own I win this may." 
And therewithal she drew anear 
Until the trembling King could hear 
Her very breathing, and she raised 
Her head, and on the King's face gazed 
With serious eyes, and, stopping there, 
Swept from her shoulders her long hair, 
And let her go^vn fall on her feet. 
Then spoke in a clear voice and sweet. 

* ' Well hast thou watched, so now O King, 
Be bold, and wish for some good thing ; 
And yet, I counsel thee, be wise. 



364 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

Behold, spite of these lips and eyes, 

Hundreds of years old now am I 

And have seen joy and misery. 

And thou, who yet hast lived in bliss, 

I bid thee well consider this ; 

Better it were that men should live 

As beasts, and take what earth can give, 

The air, the warm sun, and the grass, 

Until unto the earth they pass. 

And gain perchance naught worse than rest, 

Than that, not knowing what is best 

For sons of men, they needs must thirst 

For w4iat shall make their lives accurst. 

* ' Therefore I bid thee now beware, 
Lest, getting something seeming fair, 
Thou com'st in vain to long for more ; 
Or lest the thing thou wishest for 
Make thee unhappy till thou diest. 
Or lest with speedy death thou buyest 
A little hour of happiness 
Or lazy joy v/ith sharp distress. 

" Alas, why say I this to thee, 
For now I see full certainly, 
That thou wilt ask for such a thing, 
It had been best for thee to fling 
Thy body from a mountain-top. 
Or in a white-hot fire to drop, 
Or ever thou hadst seen me here, 
Nay then be speedy and speak clear." 

Then the King cried out eagerly. 
Grown fearless, "Ah, be kind to me ! 
Thou knowest what I long for then ! 
Thou know'st that I, a king of men. 
Will ask for nothing else than thee ! 
Thou didst not say this could not be. 
And I have had enow of bliss. 
If I may end my life with this. " 

" Hearken," she said, " what men will say 
When they are mad ; before to-day 
I knew that words such things could mean, 
And wondered that it could have been. 

*' Think well, because this wished-for joy, 
That surely v^ill thy bliss destroy, 
Will let thee live, until thy life 
Is wrapped in such bewildering strife 
That all thy days will seem but ill — 



WATCHING OF THE FALCON, 365 

Now wilt thou wish for this thing still ? " 

" Wilt thou then grant it ? " cried the King ; 

*' Surely thou art an earthly thing, 

And all this is but mockery, 

And thou canst tell no more than I 

What ending to my life shall be." 

" Nay then," she said, " I grant it thee 

Perforce ; come nigh, for I am thine 

Until the morning sun doth shine, 

And only coming time can prove 

What thing I am." 

Dizzy with love, 

And with surprise struck motionless 

That this divine thmg, with far less 

Of striving than a village maid, 

Had yielded, there he stood afraid, 

Spite of hot words and passionate, 

And strove to think upon his fate. 

But as he stood there, presently 
With smiling face she drew anigh. 
And on his face he felt her breath. 
" O love," she said, *' dost thou fear death? 
Not till next morning shalt thou die, 
Or fall into thy misery." 
Then on his hand her hand did fall, 
And forth she led him down the hall. 
Going full softly by his side. 

" O love," she said, " now well betide 
The day whereon thou cam'st to me. 
I would this night a year might be. 
Yea, life-long ; such life as we have, 
A thousand years from womb to grave." 

And then that clinging hand seemed worth 
Whatever joy was left on earth. 
And every trouble he forgot, 
And time and death remembered not : 
Kinder she grew, she clung to him 
With loving arms, her eyes did swim 
With love and pity, as he strove 
To show the wisdom of his love ; 
With trembling lips she praised his choice. 
And said, " Ah, well may'st thou rejoice. 
Well may'st thou think this one short night 
Worth years of other men's delight, 



366 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

If thy own heart as my heart is, 
Sunk in a boundless sea of bliss ; 
O love, rejoice with me ! rejoice ! " 

But as she spoke, her honeyed voice 
Trembled, and midst of sobs she said, 
' ' O love, and art thou still afraid ? 
Return, then, to thine happiness, 
Nor will I love thee any less ; 
But watch thee as a mother might 
Her child at play. " 

With strange delight 
He stammered out, *' Nay, keep thy tears 
For me, and for my ruined years 
Weep love, that I may love thee more, 
My little hour will soon be o'er. " 

" Ah, love," she said, "and thou art wise 
As men are, with long miseries 
Buying these idle words and vain, 
My foolish love, with lasting pain ; 
And yet, thou wouldst have died at last 
If in all wisdom thou hadst passed 
Thy weary life : forgive me then, 
In pitying the sad life of men." 

Then in such bliss his soul did swim, 
But tender music unto him 
Her words were ; death and misery 
But empty names were grown to be. 
As from that place his steps she drew, 
And dark the hall behind them grew. 



BUT end comes to all earthly bliss, 
And by his choice full short was his ; 
And in the morning, gray and cold. 
Beside the da'is did she hold 
His trembling hand, and wistfully 
He, doubting what his fate should be. 
Gazed at her solemn eyes, that now. 
Beneath her calm untroubled brow. 
Were fixed on his wild face and wan ; 
At last she said, " Oh, hapless man. 
Depart ! your full wish you have had ; 
A little time you have been glad, 
You shall be sorry till you die. 

"And though, indeed, full faiii am I 



WATCHING OF THE FALCON. 367 

This might not be ; nathless, as day- 
Night follows, colorless anvi gva^v. 
So this shall follow your delighv. 
Your joy hath ending with Lict iii::;lvi: — 
Nay, peace, and hearken to your fate. 

" Strife without peace, earty and bit. 
Lasting long after you are dead, 
And laid with earth uj^on your head ; 
War without victory shall you have 
Defeat, nor honor shall you save ; 
Your fair land shall be rent and torn, 
Your people be of all forlorn, 
And all men curse you for this thing." 

She loosed his hand, but yet the King 
Said, ' ' Yea, and I may go with thee ? 
Why should we part ? then let things be 
E'en as they will ! '^ " Poor man," she said, 
*' Thou ravest ; our hot love is dead, 
If ever it had any life : 
Go, make thee ready for the strife 
Wherein thy life shall soon be wrapped ; 
And of the things that here have happed 
Make thou such joy as thou may'st do ; 
But I from this place needs must go. 
Nor shalt thou ever see me more 
Until thy troubled life is o'er : 
Alas ! to say ' farewell ' to thee 
Were naught but bitter mockery. 
Fare as thou may'st, and with good heart 
Play to the end thy wretched part." 

Therewith she turned and went from him, 
And with such pain his eyes did swim 
He scarce could see her leave the place. 
And then, with troubled and pale face. 
He gat him thence : and soon he found 
His good horse in the base-court bound ; 
So, loosing him, forth did he ride, 
For the great gates were open wide, 
And flat the heavy drawbridge lay. 

So by the middle of the day. 
That murky pass had he gone through, 
And come to country that he knew ; 
And homeward turned his horse's head, 
And passing village and homestead 



368 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Nigh to his palace came at last ; 

And still the further that he passed 

From that strange castle of the fays, 

More dreamlike seemed those seven days, 

And dreamlike the delicious night ; 

And like a dream the shoulders white, 

And clinging arms and yellow hair, 

And dreamlike the sad morning there. 

Until at last he 'gan to deem 

That all might well have been a dream — 

Yet why was life a weariness ? 

What meant this sting of sharp distress ? 

This longing for a hopeless love, 

No sighing from his heart could move ? 

Or else, '' She did not come and go 
As fays might do, but soft and slow 
Her lovely feet fell on the floor ; 
She set her fair hand to the door 
As any dainty maid might do ; 
And though, indeed, there are but few 
Beneath the sun as fair as she. 
She seemed a fleshly thing to be. 
Perchance a merry mock this is. 
And I may some day have the bliss 
To see her lovely face again, 
As smiling she makes all things plain. 
And then as I am still a king, 
With me may she make tarrying 
Full long, yea, till I come to die. " 

Therewith at last being come anigh 
Unto his very palace gate, 
He saw his knights and squires wait 
His coming, therefore on the ground 
He lighted, and they flocked around 
Till he should tell them of his fare. 
Then mocking said he, " Ye may dare. 
The worst man of you all, to go 
And watch as I was bold to do ; 
For naught I heard except the wind, 
And naught I saw to call to mind." 
So said he, but they noted well 
That something more he had to tell 
If it had pleased him ; one old man, 
Beholding his changed face and wan, 
Muttered, " Would God it might be so I 



WATCHING OF THE FALCON. 369 

Alas ! I fear what fate may do ; 

Too much good fortune hast thou had 

By anything to be more glad 

Than thou hast been, I fear thee then 

Lest thou becom'st a curse to men." 

But to his place the doomed King passed, 

And all remembrance strove to cast 

From out his mind of that past day, 

And spent his life in sport and play. 



GREAT among other kings, I said 
He was before he first was led 
Unto that castle of the fays, 
But soon he lost his happy days 
And all his goodly life was done. 

And first indeed his best-loved son. 
The very apple of his eye, 
Waged war against him bitterly ; 
And when this son was overcome 
And taken, and folk led him home, 
And him the King had gone to meet, 
Meaning with gentle words and sweet 
To win him to his love again, 
By his own hand he found him slain. 

I know not if the doomed King yet 
Remembered the fay lady's threat. 
But troubles upon troubles came : 
His daughter next was brought to shame, 
Who unto all eyes seemed to be 
The image of all purity. 
And fleeing from the royal place 
The King no more beheld her face. 
Then next a folk that came from far 
Sent to the King great threats of war. 
But he, full fed of victory. 
Deemed this a little thing to be, 
And thought the troubles of his home 
Thereby he well might overcome 
Amid the hurry of the fight. 

His foemen seemed of little might. 
Although they thronged like summer bees 
About the outlying villages, 
And on the land great ruin brought. 
24 



370 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Well, he this barbarous people sought 
With such an army as seemed meet 
To put the world beneath his feet ; 
The day of battle came, and he, 
Flushed with the hope of victory, 
Grew happy, as he had not been 
Since he those glorious eyes had seen. 

They met, — his solid ranks of steel 
There scarcely more the darts could feel 
Of those new foemen, than if they 
Had been a hundred miles away : — 
They met, — a storied folk were his 
To whom sharp war had long been bliss, 
A thousand years of memories 
Were flashing in their shielded eyes ; 
And grave philosophers they had 
To bid them ever to be glad 
To meet their death and get life done 
Midst glorious deeds from sire to son. 

And those they met were beasts, or worse, 
To whom life seemed a jest, a curse ; 
Of fame and name they had not heard ; 
Honor to them was but a word, 
A word spoke in another tongue ; 
No memories round their banners clung, 
No walls they knew, no art of war, 
By hunger were they driven afar 
Unto the place whereon they stood, 
Hungry for bestial joys and blood. 

No wonder if these barbarous men 
Were slain by hundreds to each ten 
Of the King's brave well-armored folk, 
No wonder if their charges broke 
To nothing, on the walls of steel, 
And back the baffled hordes must reel. 
So stood throughout a summer day 
Scarce touched the King's most fair array. 
Yet as it drew to eventide 
The foe still surged on every side. 
As hopeless hunger-bitten men, 
About his folk grown wearied then. 

Therewith the King beheld that crowd 
How^ling and dusk, and cried aloud, 
* ' What do ye, soldiers ? and how long 
Shall weak folk hold in check the strong ? 



WATCHING OF THE FALCON, 371 

Nay, forward banners ! end the day 

And show these folk how brave men play/' 

The young knights shouted at his word, 

But the old folk in terror heard 

The shouting run adown the hne, 

And saw men flush as if with wine. 

*' O Sire," they said, " the day is sure, 

Nor will these folk the night endure 

Beset with misery and fears. " 

Alas ! they spoke to heedless ears ; 

For scarce; one look on them he cast, 

But forward through the ranks he passed, 

And cried out, "Who will follow me 

To win a fruitful victory ? " 

And toward the foe in haste he spurred, 

And at his back their shouts he heard. 

Such shouts as he ne'er heard again. 

They met — ere moonrise all the plain 
Was filled by men in hurrying flight 
The relics of that shameful fight ; 
The close array, the full-armed men, 
The ancient fame availed not then. 
The dark night only was a friend 
To bring that slaughter to an end ; 
And surely there the King had died. 
But driven by that back -rushing tide 
Against his will he needs must flee ; 
And, as he pondered bitterly 
On all that wreck that he had wrought. 
From time to time indeed he thought 
Of the fay woman's dreadful threat. 

*' But everything was not lost yet" ; 
Next day he said, great was the rout 
And shameful beyond any doubt. 
But since indeed at eventide 
The rout began, not many died. 
And gathering all the stragglers now 
His troops still made a gallant show — 
Alas ! it was a show indeed ; 
Himself desponding, did he lead 
His beaten men against the foe. 
Thinking at least to lie alow 
Before the final rout should be ; 
But scarce upon the enemy 



372 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Could these, whose shaken banners shook 
The frightened world, now dare to look ; 
Nor yet could the doomed King die there 
A death he once had held most fair ; 
Amid unwounded men he came 
Back to his city, bent with shame, 
Unkingly, midst his great distress, 
Yea, weeping at the bitterness 
Of women's curses that did greet 
His passage down the troubled street. 

But sight of all the things they loved, 
The memory of their manhood, moved 
Within the troops, and aged men 
And boys must think of battle then, 
And men that had not seen the foe 
Must clamor to the war to go. 
So a great army poured once more 
From out the city, and before 
The very gates they fought again, 
* But their late valor was in vain ; 

They died indeed, and that was good, 
But naught they gained for all the blood 
Poured out like water ; for the foe, 
Men might have stayed a while ago, 
A match for very gods were grown, 
So like the field in June-tide mown 
The King's men fell, and but in vain 
The remnant strove the town to gain ; 
Whose battlements were naught to stay 
An untaught foe upon that day, 
Though many a tale the annals told 
Of sieges in the days of old. 
When all the world then knew of war 
From that fair place was driven afar. 

As for the King, a charmed life 
He seemed to bear ; from out that strife 
He came unhurt, and he could see, 
As down the valley he did flee 
With his most wretched company, 
His palace flaming to the sky. 
Then in the very midst of woe 
His yearning thoughts would backward go 
Dnto the castle of the fay ; 
He muttered, " Shall I curse that day, 
The last delight that I have had, 



WATCHING OF THE FALCON. 373 

For certainly I then was glad t 
And who knows if what men call bliss 
Had been much better now than this 
When I am hastening to the end ? " 

That fearful rest, that dreaded friend, 
That Death, he did not gain as yet ; 
A band of men he soon did get, 
A ruined rout of bad and good, 
With whom within the tangled wood, 
The rugged mountain, he abode. 
And thenceforth oftentimes they rode 
Into the fair land once called his. 
And yet but little came of this, 
Except more woe for Heaven to see 
Some little added misery 
Unto that miserable realm : 
The barbarous foe did overwhelm 
The cities and the fertile plain. 
And many a peaceful man was slain. 
And many a maiden brought to shame, 
And yielded towns were set aflame ; 
For all the land was masterless. 

Long dwelt the King in great distress 
From wood to mountain ever tost. 
Mourning for all that he had lost. 
Until it chanced upon a day, 
Asleep in early morn he lay, 
And in a vision there did see, 
Clad all in black, that fay lady 
Whereby all this had come to pass. 
But dim as in a misty glass : 
She said " I come thy death to tell 
Yet now to thee may say ' farewell, ' 
For in a short space wilt thou be 
Within an endless dim country 
Where thou mayest well win woe or bliss. " 
Therewith she stooped his lips to kiss 
And vanished straightway from his sight. 
So waking there he sat upright 
And looked around, but naught could see 
And heard but song-birds' melody. 
For it was the first hour of day. 

Then with a sigh adown he lay 
And slept, nor ever woke again. 



374 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

For that same hour was he slain 
By stealthy traitors as he slept. 

He of a few was much bewept, 
But of most men was well forgot 
While that town's ashes still were hot 
The foeman on that day did burn. 

As for the land, great Time did turn 
The bloody fields to deep green grass, 
And from the minds of men did pass 
The memory of that time of woe, 
And at this day all things are so 
As first I said ; a land it is 
Where men may dwell in rest and bliss 
If so they will — who yet will not, 
Because their hasty hearts are hot 
With foolish hate, and longing vain. 
The sire and dam of grief and pain. 



* IV T EATH the bright sky cool grew the weary earth, 

i ^ And many a bud in that fair hour had birth 
Upon the garden bushes ; in the west 
The sky got ready for the great sun's rest, 
And all was fresh and lovely ; none the less 
Although those old men shared the happiness 
Of the bright eve, 't was mixed with memories 
Of how they might in old times have been wise. 
Not casting by for very wilfulness 
What wealth might come their changing life to bless ; 
Lulling their hearts to sleep, amid the cold 
Of bitter times, that so they might behold 
Some joy at last, e^en if it lingered long. 
That, wearing not their souls with grief and wrong, 
They still might watch the changing world go by, 
Content to live, content at last to die. 

Alas ! if they had reached content at last, 
It was perforce when all their strength was past ; 
And after loss of many days once bright. 
With foolish hopes of unattained delight. 



AUGUST. 

ACROSS the gap made by our English hinds. 
Amidst the Roman's handiwork, behold 
Far off the long-roofed church ; the shepherd binds 
The withy round the hurdles of his fold ; 
Down in the foss the river fed of old, 
That through long lapse of time has grown to be 
The little grassy valley that you see. 

Rest here aw^hile, not yet the eve is still, 
The bees are wandering yet, and you may hear '^ 
The barley mowers on the trenched hill. 
The sheep-bells, and the restless changing weir, 
All little sounds made musical and clear 
Beneath the sky that burning August gives, 
While yet the thought of glorious Summer lives. 

Ah, love ! such happy days, such days as these, 
Must we still waste them, craving for the best. 
Like lovers o'er the painted images 
Of those who once their yearning hearts have blessed ? 
Have we been happy on our day of rest ? 
Thine eyes say "yes," — but if it came again. 
Perchance its ending would not seem so vain. 



NOW came fulfilment of the year's desire, 
The tall wheat, colored by the August fire 
Grew heavy-headed, dreading its decay. 
And blacker grew the elm-trees day by day. 
About the edges of the yellow corn, 
And o'er the gardens grown somewhat outworn 
The bees went hurrying to fill up their store ; 
The apple-boughs bent over more and more ; 
With peach and apricot the garden wall. 
Was odorous, and the pears began to fall 
From off the high tree with each freshening breeze. 

vSo in a house bordered about with trees, 
A little raised above the waving gold, 
The Wanderers heard this marvellous stoiy told, 
While, 'twixt the gleaming flasks of ancient wine, 
They watched the reapers' slow advancing line. 



PYGMALION AND THE IMAGE. 



ARGUMENT. 

A Man of Cyprus, a Sculptor named Pygmalion, made an Image of a 
Woman, fairer than any that had yet been seen, and in the end came to 
love his own handiwork as though it had been alive : wherefore, praying 
to Venus for help, he obtained his end, for she made the Image alive 
indeed, and a Woman, and Pygmalion wedded her. 

AT Amathus, that from the southern side 
Of Cyprus looks across the Syrian sea, 
There did in ancient time a man abide 
Known to the island-dwellers, for that he 
Had wrought most godlike works in imagery, 
And day by day still greater honor won, 
Which man our old books call Pygmalion. 

Yet in the praise of men small joy he had. 
But walked abroad with downcast brooding face, 
Nor yet by any damsel was made glad ; , 
For, sooth to say, the women of that place 
Must seem to all men an accursed race, 
Who with the turner of all hearts once strove, 
So in their hearts must carry lust for love. 

Now on a day it chanced that he had been 
About the streets, and on the crowded quays. 
Rich with unopened wealth of bales, had seen 
The dark-eyed merchants of the southern seas 
In chaffer with the base Propoetides, 
And heavy-hearted gat him home again. 
His once-loved life grown idle, poor, and vain. 

And there upon his images he cast 
His weary eyes, yet little noted them. 
As still from name to name his swift thought passed. 
For what to him was Juno's well -wrought hem, 
Diana's shaft, or Pallas' olive-stem ? 
What help could Hermes' rod unto him give. 
Until with shadovi^ things he came to live ? 



PYGMALION AND THE IMAGE. 377 

Yet note, that though, while looking on the sun, 
The craftsman o'er his work some morn of spring 
May chide his useless labor never done. 
For all his murmurs, with no other thing 
He soothes his heart, and dulls thought's poisonous sting, 
And thus in thought's despite the world goes on ; 
And so it was with this Pygmalion. 

Unto the chisel must he set his hand. 
And slowly, still in troubled thought, must pace 
About a work begun, that there doth stand, 
And still returning to the self-same place, 
Unto the image now must set his face, 
And with a sigh his wonted toil begin, 
Half-loathed, half-loved, a little rest to win. 

The lessening marble that he worked upon 
A woman's form now imaged doubtfully, 
And in such guise the work had he begun, 
Because when he the untouched block did see 
In wandering veins that form there seemed to be, 
Whereon he cried out in a careless mood, 
'* O lady Venus, make this presage good ! 

" And then this block of stone shall be thy maid, 
And, not without rich golden ornament. 
Shall bide within thy quivering myrtle-shade." 
So spoke he, but the goddess, well-content, 
Unto his hand such godlike mastery sent. 
That like the first artificer he wrought. 
Who made the gift that woe to all men brought. 

And yet, but such as he was wont to do, 
At first indeed that work divine he deemed. 
And as the white chips from the chisel flew 
Of other matters languidly he dreamed. 
For easy to his hand that labor seemed. 
And he was stirred with many a troubling thought. 
And many a doubt perplexed him as he wrought. 

And yet, again, at last there came a day 
When smoother and more shapely grew the stone. 
And he, grown eager, put all thought away 
But that which touched his craftsmanship alone. 
And he would gaze at what his hands had done, 



378 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

Until his heart with boundless joy would swell 
That all was wrought so wonderfully well. 

Yet long it was ere he was satisfied, 
And with his pride that by his mastery 
This thing was done, whose equal far and wide 
In no town of the world a man could see, 
Came burning longing that the work should be 
E'en better still, and to his heart there came 
A strange and strong desire he could not name. 

The night seemed long, and long the twilight seemed, 
A vain thing seem.ed his flowery garden fair ; 
Though through the night still of his work he dreamed, 
And though his smooth-stemmed trees so nigh it were, 
That thence he could behold the marble hair ; 
Naught was enough, until with steel in hand 
He came before the wondrous stone to stand. 

No song could charm him, and no histories 
Of men's misdoings could avail him now, 
Nay, scarcely seaward had he turned his eyes. 
If men had said, " the fierce Tyrrhenians row 
Up through the bay, rise up and strike a blow 
For life and goods " ; for naught to him seemed dear 
But to his well-loved work to be anear. 

Then vexed he grew, and, knowing not his heart, 
Unto himself he said, "Ah, what is this. 
That I, who oft was happy to depart, 
And wander where the boughs each other kiss 
'Neath the west wind, now have no other bliss 
But in vain smoothing of this marble maid. 
Whose chips this month a drachma had outweighed^. 

*' Lo I will get me to the woods and try 
If I my woodcraft have forgotten quite. 
And then, returning, lay this folly by, 
And eat my fill, and sleep my sleep anight, 
And 'gin to carve a Hercules aright 
Upon the morrow, and perchance indeed 
The Theban will be good to me at need." 

With that he took his quiver and his bow, . 
And through the gates of Amathus he went. 
And toward the mountain slopes began to go, 



PYGMALION AND THE IMAGE, 379 

Within the woods to work out his intent. 
Fair was the day, the honeyed beanfield's scent 
The west wind bore unto him ; o'er the way 
The glittering noisy poplar-leaves did play. 

All things were moving ; as his hurried feet 
Passed by, within the flowery swathe he heard 
The sweeping of the scythe, the swallow fleet 
Rose over him, the sitting partridge stirred 
On the field's edge ; the brown bee by him whirred, 
Or murmured in the clover-flowers, below. 
But he with bowed-down head failed not to go. 

At last he stopped, and, looking round, he said, 
" Like one whose thirtieth year is well gone by, 
The day is getting ready to be dead ; 
No rest, and on the border of the sky 
Already the great banks of dark haze lie ; 
No rest — what do I midst this stir and noise? 
"What part have I in these unthinking joys ? " 

With that he turned, and toward the city-gate 
Through the sweet fields went swifter than he came. 
And cast his heart into the hands of fate ; 
Nor strove with it, when higher 'gan to flame 
That strange and strong desire without a name ; 
Till panting, thinking of naught else, once more 
His hand was on the latch of his own door. 

One moment there he lingered, as he said, 
'' Alas I v/hat should I do if she were gone ! " 
But even with that word his brow waxed red 
To hear his own lips name a thing of stone. 
As though the gods some marvel there had done, 
And made his work alive ; and therewithal 
In turn great pallor on his face did fall. 

But with a sigh he passed into the house, 
Yet even then his chamber-door must hold, 
And listen there, half-blind and timorous. 
Until his heart should wax a little bold ; ' 
Then entering, motionless and white and cold 
He saw the image stand amidst the floor 
That whitened was by labor done before. 

Blinded with tears, his chisel up he caught, 
And, drawing near, and sighing, tenderly 



38o THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

Upon the marvel of the face he wrought, 
E'en as he used to pass the long days by ; 
But his sighs changed to sobbing presently, 
And on the floor the useless steel he flung, 
And, weeping loud, about the image clung. 

*' Alas ! " he cried, '' why have I made thee then. 
That thus thou mockest me ? I know indeed 
That many such as thou are loved of men. 
Whose passionate eyes poor wretches still will lead 
Into their net, and smile to see them bleed ; 
But these the gods made, and this hand made thee 
Who wilt not speak one little word to me. " 

Then from the image did he draw aback 
To gaze on it through tears ; and you had said, 
Regarding it, that little did it lack 
To be a living and most lovely maid ; 
Naked it was, its unbound locks were laid 
Over the lovely shoulders ; with one hand 
Reached out, as to a lover, did it stand, 

The other held a fair rose over-blown ; 
No smile was on the parted lips, the eyes 
Seemed as if even now great love had shown 
Unto them something of its sweet surprise. 
Yet saddened them with half-seen mysteries. 
And still midst passion maiden -like she seemed. 
As though of love unchanged for aye she dreamed. 

Reproachfully beholding all her grace, 
Pygmalion stood, until he grew dry-eyed, 
And then at last he turned away his face 
As if from her cold eyes his grief to hide ; 
And thus a weary while did he abide, 
With nothing in his heart but vain desire, 
The ever-burning, unconsuming fire. 

But when again he turned his visage round. 
His eyes were brighter and no more he wept, 
As if some little solace he had found. 
Although his folly none the more had slept. 
Rather some new-born god-sent madness kept 
His other madness from destroying him. 
And made the hope of death wax faint and dim : 



PYGMALION AND THE IMAGE, 

For, trembling and ashamed, from out the street 
Strong men he called, and faint with jealousy 
He caused them bear the ponderous, moveless feet 
Unto the chamber where he used to lie, 
So in a fair niche to his bed anigh, 
Unwitting of his woe, they set it down, 
Then went their ways beneath his troubled frown. 

Then to his treasury he went, and sought 
For gems for its adornment, but all there 
Seemed to his eager eyes but poor and naught, 
Not worthy e'en to touch her rippled hair, 
So he, departing, through the streets 'gan fare, 
And from the merchants at a mighty cost 
Bought gems that kings for no good deed had lost. 

These then he hung her senseless neck around, 
Set on her fingers, and fair arms of stone, 
Then cast himself before her on the ground, 
Praying for grace for all that he had done 
In leaving her untended and alone ; 
And still with every hour his madness grew, 
Though all his folly in his heart he knew. 

At last asleep before her feet he lay, 
Worn out with passion, yet this burning pain 
Returned on him, when with the light of day 
He woke and wept before her feet again ; 
Then of the fresh and new-born morning fain, 
Into his garden passed, and therefrom bore 
Fresh spoil of flowers his love to lay before. 

A little altar, with fine gold o'erlaid, 
"Was in his house, that he a while ago 
At some great man's command had deftly made, 
And this he now must take and set below 
Her well-wrought feet, and there must red flame glow 
About sweet wood, and he must send her thence 
The odor of Arabian frankincense. 

Then as the smoke went up, he prayed and said, 
'* Thou, image, hear'st me not, nor wilt thou speak, 
But I perchance shall know when I am dead, 
If this has been some goddess' sport, to seek 
A wretch, and in his heart infirm and weak 



382 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

To set her glorious image, so that he, 
Loving the form of immortahty, 

*' May make much laughter for the gods above : 
Hear me, and if my love misliketh thee 
Then take my life away, for I will love 
Till Death unfeared at last shall come to me 
And give me rest, if he of might may be 
To slay the love of that which cannot die, 
The heavenly beauty that can ne'er pass by." 

No word indeed the moveless image said, 
But with the sweet grave eyes his hands had wrought 
Still gazed down on his bowed imploring head. 
Yet his own words some solace to him brought, 
Gilding the net wherein his soul was caught 
With something like to hope, and all that day 
Some tender words he ever found to say ; 

And still he felt as something heard him speak ; 
Sometimes he praised her beauty, and sometimes 
Reproached her in a feeble voice and weak, 
And at the last drew forth a book of rhymes. 
Wherein were writ the tales of many climes, 
And read aloud the sweetness hid therein 
Of lovers' sorrows and their tangled sin. 

And when the sun went down, the frankincense 
Again upon the altar-flame he cast 
That, through the opening window floating thence. 
O'er the fresh odors of the garden passed ; 
And so another day was gone at last, 
And he no more his lovelorn watch could keep. 
But now for utter weariness must sleep. 

But in the night he dreamed that she was gone. 
And, knowing that he dreamed, tried hard to wake 
And could not, but forsaken and alone 
He seemed to weep as though his heart would break, 
And when the night her sleepy veil did take 
From off the world, waking, his tears he found 
Still wet upon the pillow all around. 

Then at the first, bewildered by those tears. 
He fell a-wondering wherefore he had wept, 
But suddenly remembering all his fears. 



PYGMALION AND THE IMAGE, 383 

Panting with terror, from the bed he leapt, 
But still its wonted place the image kept, 
Nor moved for all the joyful ecstasy 
Wherewith he blessed the day that showed it nigh. 

Then came the morning offering and the day. 
Midst flowers and words of love and kisses sweet 
From morn, through noon, to evening passed away, 
And scarce unhappy, crouching at her feet, 
He saw the sun descend the sea to meet ; 
And scarce unhappy through the darkness crept 
Unto his bed, and midst soft dreaming slept. 



BUT the next morn, e'en while the incense-smoke 
At sunrising curled round about her head. 
Sweet sound of songs the wonted quiet broke 
Down in the street, and he by something led. 
He knew not what, must leave his prayer unsaid, 
And through the freshness of the morn must see 
The folk who went with that sweet minstrelsy ; 

Damsels and youths in wonderful attire, 
And in their midst upon a car of gold 
An image of the Mother of Desire, 
Wrought by his hands in days that seemed grown old. 
Though those sweet limbs a garment did infold. 
Colored like flame, inwrought with precious things, 
Most fit to be the prize of striving kings. 

Then he remembered that the manner was 
That fair-clad priests the lovely Queen should take 
Thrice in the year, and through the city pass. 
And with sweet songs the dreaming folk awake ; 
And through the clouds a light there seemed to break, 
When he remembered all the tales well-told 
About her glorious kindly deeds of old. 

So his unfinished prayer he finished not. 
But, kneeling, once more kissed the marble feet, 
And, while his heart with many thoughts waxed hot. 
He clad himself with fresh attire and meet 
For that bright service, and with blossoms sweet 
Intwined with tender leaves he crowned his head, 
And followed after as the goddess led. 



384 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

But long and vain unto him seemed the way 
Until they came unto her house again ; 
Long years, the while they went about to lay 
The honey-hiding dwellers on the plain, 
The sweet companions of the yellowing grain, 
Upon her golden altar ; long and long 
Before, at end of their delicious song, 

They stripped her of her weed, with reverend liands, 
And showed the ivory limbs his hand had wrought; 
Yea, and too long e'en then ere those fair bands, 
Dispersing here and there, the shadow sought 
Of Indian spice- trees o'er the warm sea brought 
And, toward the splashing of the fountain turned, 
Mocked the noon sun that o'er the cloisters burned, 

But when the crowd of worshippers was gone, 
And through the golden dimness of the place 
The goddess' very servants paced alone, 
Or some lone damsel murmured of her case 
Apart from prying eyes, he turned his face 
Unto that image made with toil and care. 
In days when unto him it seemed most fair. 

Dusky and dim, though rich with gems and gold, 
The house of Venus was ; high in the dome 
The burning sunlight you might now behold. 
From nowhere else the light of day might come. 
To curse the Shamefaced Mother's lovely home ; 
A long way off the shrine, the fresh sea-breeze, 
Now just arising, brushed the myrtle-trees. 

The torches of the flower-crowned, singing band 
Erewhile, indeed, made more than daylight there, 
Lighting the painted tales of many a land, 
And carven heroes, with their unused glare ; 
But now a few soft, glimmering lamps there were. 
And on the altar a thin, flickering flame 
Just showed the golden letters of her name. 

Blue in the dome yet hung the incense-cloud. 
And still its perfume lingered all around ; 
And, trodden by the light-foot, fervent crowd. 
Thick lay the summer flowers upon the ground, 
And now from far-off halls uprose the sound 



PYGMALION AND THE IMAGE, 385 

Of Lydian music, and the dancer's cry, 

As though some door were opened suddenly. 

So there he stood that help from her to gain, 
Bewildered by that twilight midst of day ; 
Downcast with listening to the joyous strain 
He had no part in, hopeless with delay 
Of all the fair things he had meant to say ; 
Yet, as the incense on the flame he cast. 
From stammering lips and pale these words there passed, — 

* * O thou forgotten help, dost thou yet know 
What thing it is I need, when even I, 
Bent down before thee in this shame and woe, 
Can frame no set of words to tell thee why 
I needs must pray ? O help me or I die ! 
Or slay me, and in slaying take from me 
Even a dead man's feeble memory. 

'' Say not thine help I have been slow to seek ; 
Here have I been from the first hour of morn, 
Who stand before thy presence faint and weak, 
Of my one poor delight left all forlorn ; 
Trembling with many fears, the hope outworn 
I had when first I left my love, my shame, 
To call upon thine oft-sung glorious name." 

He stopped to catch his breath, for as a sob 
Did each word leave his mouth ; but suddenly, 
Like a live thing^ the thin flame 'gan to throb 
And gather force, and then shot up on high 
A steady spike of light, that drew anigh 
The sunbeam in the dome, then sank once more 
Into a feeble flicker as before. 

But at that sight the nameless hope he had, 
That kept him living midst unhappiness. 
Stirred in his breast, and with changed face and glad 
Unto the image forward must he press 
With words of praise his first word to redress. 
But then it was as though a thick black cloud 
Altar and fire and ivory limbs did shroud. 

He staggered back, amazed and full of awe ; 
But when, with anxious eyes, he gazed around, 
About him still the worshippers he saw 
25 



386 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

Sunk in their wonted works, with no surprise 
At what to him seemed awful mysteries ; 
Therewith he sighed and said, " This, too, I dream. 
No better day upon my life shall beam." 

And yet for long upon the place he gazed 
Where other folk beheld the lovely Queen ; 
And while he looked the dusky veil seemed raised. 
And everything was as it erst had been ; 
And then he said, " Such marvels I have seen 
As some sick man may see from off his bed ; 
Ah, I am sick, and would that I were dead ! " 

Therewith, not questioning his heart at all, 
He turned away and left the holy place, 
When now the wide sun reddened towards his fall. 
And a fresh west wind held the clouds in chase ; 
But coming out, at first he hid his face 
Dazed with the light, and in the porch he stood. 
Nor wished to move, or change his dreary mocd. 

Yet in a while the freshness of the eve 
Pierced to his weary heart, and with a sigh 
He raised his head, and slowly 'gan to leave 
The high carved pillars ; and so presently 
Had passed the grove of whispering myrtles by. 
And, mid the many noises of the street. 
Made himself brave the eyes of men to meet. 

Thronged were the ways with folk in gay attire. 
Nursing the end of that festivity ; 
Girls fit to move the moody man's desire 
Brushed past him, and soft dainty minstrelsy 
He heard amid the laughter, and might see. 
Through open doors, the garden's green delight, 
Where pensive lovers waited for the night ; 

Or resting dancers round the fountain drawn, 
With faces flushed unto the breeze turned round, 
Or wandering o'er the fragrant trodden lawn, 
Took up their fallen garlands from the ground, 
Or languidly their scattered tresses bound, 
Or let their gathered raiment fall adown. 
With eyes downcast beneath their lovers' frown. 

What hope P3^gmalion yet might have, when he 
First left the pillars of the dreamy place, 



PYGMALION AND THE IMAGE. 2 

Amid such sights had vanished utterly. 
He turned his weary eyes from face to face, 
Nor noted them, as at a lagging pace 
He gat towards home, and still was murmuring, 
* Ah life, sweet life ! the only godlike thing ! " 

And as he went, though longing to be there 
Whereas his sole desire awaited him. 
Yet did he loathe to see the image fair. 
White and unchanged of face, unmoved of limb, 
And to his heart came dreamy thoughts and dim 
That unto some strange region he might come, 
Nor ever reach again his loveless home. 

Yet soon, indeed, before his door he stood, 
And, as a man awaking from a dream. 
Seemed waked from his old folly ; naught seemed good 
In all the things that he before had deemed 
At least worth life, and on his heart there streamed 
Cold light of day —he found himself alone, 
Reft of desire, all love and madness gone. 

And yet for that past folly must he weep, 
As one might mourn the parted happiness 
That, mixed with madness, made him smile in sleep ; 
And still some lingering sweetness seemed to bless 
The hard life left of toil and loneliness. 
Like a past song too sweet, too short, and yet 
Immeshed forever in the memory's net. 

Weeping he entered, murmuring, *' O fair Queen, 
I thank thee that my prayer was not for naught, 
Truly a present helper hast thou been 
To those who faithfully thy throne have sought ! 
Yet, since with pain deliverance I have bought. 
Hast thou not yet some gift in store for me, 
That I thine happy slave henceforth may be ? " 



388 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 



THUS to his chamber at the last he came, 
And, pushing through the still half-opened door, 
He stood within ; but there, for very shame 
Of all the things that he had done before. 
Still kept his eyes bent down upon the floor, 
Thinking of all that he had done and said 
Since he had wrought that luckless marble maid. 

Yet soft his thoughts were, and the very place 
Seemed perfumed with some nameless heavenly air ; 
So gaining courage, did he raise his face 
Unto the work his hands had made so fair, 
And cried aloud to see the niche all bare 
Of that sweet form, while through his heart again 
There shot a pang of his old yearning pain. 

Yet while he stood, and knew not what to do 
With yearning, a strange thrill of hope there came, 
A shaft of new desire now pierced him through, 
And therewithal a soft voice called his name, 
And when he turned, with eager eyes aflame, 
He saw betwixt him and the setting sun 
The lively image of his loved one. 

He trembled at the sight, for though her eyes, 
Her very lips, were such as he had made. 
And though her tresses fell but .in such guise 
As he had wrought them, now was she arrayed 
In that fair garment that the priests had laid 
Upon the goddess on that veiy morn. 
Dyed like the setting sun upon the corn. 

Speechless he stood, but she now drew anear. 
Simple and sweet as she was wont to be. 
And once again her silver voice rang clear, 
Filling his soul with great felicity, 
^ And thus she spoke, '' Wilt thou not come to me, 
O dear companion of my new-found life, 
For I am called thy lover and thy wife ? 

" Listen, these words the Dread One bade*me say 
That was with me e'en now, Pygmalion, 
My new-made soul I give to thee to-day. 
Come, feel the sweet breath that thy prayer has won. 
And lay thine hand this heaving breast upon I 



PYGMALION AND THE IMAGE. 389 

Come, love, and walk with me between the trees. 
And feel the freshness of the evening breeze. 

" Sweep mine hair round thy neck ; behold my feet. 
The oft-kissed feet thoic thoiLghtst should never move. 
Press do7vn the daisies I draw me to thee, sweet. 
And feel the warm heart of thy living love 
Beat against thine, and bless the Seed of fove. 
Whose loving, teitder heart hath wrought all this. 
And wrapped us both in such a cloud of bliss. 

" Ah, thou art wise to know what this may mean ! 
Sweet seem the words to me, and needs must I 
Speak all the lesson of the lovely queen : 
But this I know, I would we were more nigh, 
I have not heard thy voice but in the cry 
Thou utterest then, when thou believedst gone 
The marvel of thine hands, the maid of stone." 

She reached her hand to him, and with kind eyes 
Gazed into his ; but he the fingers caught 
And drew her to him, and midst ecstasies 
Passing all words, yea, wellnigh passing thought, 
Felt that sweet breath that he so long had sought, 
Felt the warm life within her heaving breast 
As in his arms his living love he pressed. 

But as his cheek touched hers he heard her say, 
'*Wilt thou not speak, O love? why dost thou weep ? 
Art thou then sorry for this long-wished day, 
Or dost thou thjnk perchance thou wilt not keep 
This that thou boldest but in dreamy sleep ? 
Nay, let us do the bidding of the Queen, 
And hand in hand walk through thy garden green ; 

'' Then shalt thou tell me, still beholding me, 
Full many things whereof I wish to know, 
And as we walk from whispering tree to tree 
Still more familiar to thee shall I grow, 
And such things shalt thou say unto me now 
As when thou deemedst thou wast quite alone, 
A madman, kneeling to a thing of stone. '' 

But at that word a smile lit up his eyes. 
And therewithal he spake some loving word, 
And she at first looked up in grave surprise 
When his deep voice and musical she heard, 



390 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

And clung to him as somewhat grown afeard ; 
Then cried aloud and said, " O mighty one ! 
What joy with thee to look upon the sun." 

Then into that fair garden did they pass, 
And all the story of his love he told, 
And, as the twain went o'er the dewy grass, 
Beneath the risen moon could he behold 
The bright tears trickling down, then waxen bold, 
He stopped and said, " Ah, love, what meaneth this ? 
Seest thou how tears still follow earthly bliss ? 

Then both her white arms round his neck she threw, 

And sobbing said, " O love, what hurteth me ? 

When first the sweetness of my life I knew. 

Not this I felt, but when I first saw thee 

A little pain and great felicity 

Rose up within me, and thy talk e'en now 

Made pain and pleasure ever greater grow ? " 

" O sweet," he said, " this thing is even love, 
Whereof I told thee ; that all wise men fear. 
But yet escape not ; nay, to gods above, 
Unless the old tales lie, it draweth near. 
But let my happy ears, I pray thee, hear 
Thy story too, and how thy blessed birth 
Has made a heaven of this once lonely earth. " 

** My sweet," she said, '' as yet I am not wise, 
Or stored with words, aright the tale to tell, 
But listen : when I opened first mine eyes 
I stood within the niche thou knowest well, 
And from mine hand a heavy thing there fell 
Carved like these flowers, nor could I see things clear. 
And but a strange confused noise could hear. 

''At last mine eyes could see a woman fair, 
But awful as this round white moon overhead. 
So that I trembled when I saw her there. 
For with my life was born some touch of dread. 
And therewithal I heard her voice that said, 
' Come down, and learn to love and be alive. 
For thee, a well-prized gift, to-day I give.' 

" Then on the floor I stepped, rejoicing much. 
Not knowing why, not knowing aught at all. 
Till she reached out her hand my breast to touch, 



PYGMALION AND THE IMAGE, 391 

And when her fingers thereupon did fall, 
Thought came unto my life, and therewithal 
I knew her for a goddess, and began 
To murmur in some tongue unknown to man, 

" And then indeed not in this guise was I, 
No sandals had I and no saffron gown, 
But naked as thou knowest utterly, 
E'en as my limbs beneath thine hand had grown, 
And this fair perfumed robe then fell adown 
Over the goddess' feet and swept the ground, 
And- round her loins a glittering belt w^as bound. 

' ' But when the stammering of my tongue she heard, 
Upon my trembling lips her hand she laid, 
And spoke again, ' Nay, say not any word, 
All that thine heart would say I know unsaid. 
Who even now thine heart and voice have made ; 
But listen rather, for thou knowest now 
What these words mean, and still wilt wiser grow. 

" * Thy body, lifeless till I gave it life, 
A certain man, my servant, well hath wrought, 
I give thee to him as his love and wife, 
With all thy dowry of desire and thought. 
Since this his yearning heart hath ever sought ; 
Now from my temple is he on the way, 
Deeming to find thee e'en as yesterday ; 

'* * Bide thou his coming by the bed-head there, 
And when thou seest him set his eyes upon 
Thine empty niche, and hear'st him cry for care, 
Then call him by his name Pygmalion, 
And certainly thy lover hast thou won ; 
But when he stands before thee silently. 
Say all these words that I shall teach to thee. ' 

** With that she said what first I told thee, love, 
And then went on, ' Moreover thou shalt say 
That I, the daughter of almighty Jove, 
Have wrought for him this long-desired day ; 
In sign whereof, these things that pass away. 
Wherein mine image men have well arrayed, 
I give thee for thy wedding gear, O maid. * 

** Therewith her raiment she put off from her, 
And laid bare all her perfect loveliness. 



392 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

And, smiling on me, came yet more anear, 
And on my mortal lips her lips did press. 
And said, ' Now herewith shalt thou love no less 
Than Psyche loved my son in days of old ; 
Farewell, of thee shall many a tale be told.' 

" And even with that last word was she gone, 
How I know not, and I my limbs arrayed 
In her fair gifts, and waited thee alone — 
Ah, love, indeed the word is true she said, 
For now I love thee so, I grow afraid 
Of what the gods upon our heads may send — 
I love thee so, I think upon the end. " 

What words he said ? How can I tell again 
What words they said beneath the glimmering light ? 
Some tongue they used unknown to loveless men, 
As each to each they told their great delight, 
Until for stillness of the growing night 
Their soft sweet murmuring words seemed growing loud, 
And dim the moon grew, hid by fleecy cloud. 



SUCH was the ending of his ancient rhyme, 
That seemed to fit that soft and golden time, 
When men were happy, they could scarce tell why. 
Although they felt the rich year slipping by. 
The sun went down, the harvest-moon arose. 
And 'twixt the slim trees of that fruitful close 
They saw the corn still faUing 'neath its light, 
While through the soft air of the windless night 
The voices of the reapers' mates rang clear 
In measured song, as of the fruitful year 
They told, and its delights, and now and then 
The rougher voices of the toiling men 
Joined in the song, as one by one, released 
From that hard toil, they sauntered towards the feast 
That waited them upon the strip of grass 
That through the golden glimmering sea did pass. 

But those old men, glad to have lived so long. 
Sat listening through the twilight to the song, 
And when the night grew and all things were still 
Throughout the wide vale from green hill to hill. 
Unto a happy harvesting they drank 
Till once more o'er the hills the white moon sank. 



AUGUST. 393 



AUGUST had not gone by, though now was stored 
In the sweet-smelHng granaries all the hoard 
Of golden corn ; the land had made her gam, 
And winter should howl round her doors in vain. 
But o'er the same fields gray now and forlorn 
The old men sat and heard the swineherd's horn, 
Far off across the stubble, when the day 
At end of harvest-tide was sad and gray ; 
And rain was in the wind's voice as it swept 
Along the hedges where the lone quail crept. 
Beneath the chattering of the restless pie. 
The fruit-hung branches moved, and suddenly 
The trembling apples smote the dewless grass, 
And all the year to autumn-tide did pass. 
E'en such a day it was as young men love 
When swiftly through the veins the blood doth move. 
And they, whose eyes can see not death at all. 
To thoughts of stirring deeds and pleasure fall, 
Because it seems to them to tell of life 
After the dreamy days devoid of strife. 
When every day with sunshine is begun, 
And cloudless skies receive the setting sun. 

On such a day the older folk were fain 
Of something new somewhat to dull the pain 
Of sad, importunate old memories 
That to their weary hearts must needs arise. 

Alas ! what new things on that day could come 
From hearts that now so long had been the home 
Of such dull thoughts, nay, rather let them tell 
Some tale that fits their ancient longings well. 

Rolf was the speaker, who said, "Friends, behold 
This is e'en such a tale as those once told 
Unto my greedy ears by Nicholas, 
Before our quest for nothing came to pass. " 



OGIER THE DANE. 



ARGUMENT. 

When Ogier was born, six fay ladies came to the cradle where he lay, 
and gave him various gifts, as to be brave and happy and the like ; but 
the sixth gave him to be her love when he should have lived long in the 
world : so Ogier grew up and became the greatest of knights, and at 
last, after many years, fell into the hands of that fay, and with her, as 
the story tells, he lives now, though he returned once to the world, as is 
shown in the process of this tale. 

WITHIN some Danish city by the sea, 
Whose name, changed now, is all unknown to me, 
Great mourning was there one fair summer eve, 
Because the angels, bidden to receive 
The fair Queen's lovely soul in Paradise, 
Had done their bidding, and in royal guise 
Her helpless body, once the prize of love, 
Unable now for fear or hope to move, 
Lay underneath the golden canopy ; 
And bowed down by unkmgly misery 
The King sat by it, and not far away 
Within the chamber a fair man-child lay, 
His mother's bane, the king that was to be. 
Not witting yet of any royalty. 
Harmless and loved, although so new to life. 

Calm the June evening was, no sign of strife 
The clear sky showed, no storm grew round the sun, 
Unhappy that his day of bliss was done ; 
Dumb was the sea, and if the beech-wood stirred, 
'T was with the nestling of the gray-winged bird 
Midst its thick leaves ; and though the nightingale 
Her ancient, hapless sorrow must bewail. 
No more of woe there seemed in her song 
Than such as doth to lovers' words belong, 
Because their love is still unsatisfied. 

But to the King, on that sweet eventide. 
No earth there seemed, no heaven when earth was gone ; 
No help, no God ! but lonely pain alone ; 
And he, midst unreal shadows, seemed to sit 



OGIER THE DANE. 395 

Himself the very heart and soul of it. 
But round the cradle of the new-born child 
The nurses now the weary time beguiled 
With stories of the just-departed Queen ; 
And how, amid the heathen folk first seen, 
She had been won to love and godliness ; 
And as they spoke, e'en midst his dull distress. 
An eager whisper now and then would smite 
Upon the King's ear, of some past delight, 
Some once familiar name, and he would raise 
His weary head, and on the speaker gaze 
Like one about to speak, but soon again 
Would drop his head and be alone with pain, 
Nor think of these ; who, silent in their turn, 
Would sit and watch the waxen tapers burn 
Amidst the dusk of the quick -gathering night. 
Until, beneath the high stars^ glimmering light, 
The fresh earth lay in colorless repose. 

So passed the night, and now and then one rose 
From out her place to do what might avail 
To still the new-born infant's fretful wail ; 
Or through the softly-opened door there came 
Some nurse new- waked, who, whispering low the name 
Of her whose turn was come, would take her place ; 
Then toward the King would turn about her face, 
And to her fellows whisper of the day. 
And tell again of her just past away. 

So passed the night, the moon arose and grew, 
From off the sea a little west wind blew. 
Rustling the garden-leaves like sudden rain ; 
And ere the moon had 'gun to fall again 
The wind grew cold, a change was in the sky, 
And in deep silence did the dawn draw nigh : 
Then from her place a nurse arose to light 
Fresh hallowed lights, for, dying with the night. 
The tapers round about the dead Queen were ; 
But the King raised, his head and 'gan to stare 
Upon her, as her sweeping gown did glide 
About the floor, that in the stillness cried 
Beneath her careful feet ; and now, as she 
Had lit the second candle carefully. 
And on its silver spike another one 
Was setting, through her body did there run 
A sudden tremor, and the hand was stayed 
That on the dainty painted wax was laid ; 



396 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Her eyelids fell down and she seemed to sleep, 
And o'er the staring King began to creep 
Sweet slumber too ; the bitter lines of woe 
That drew his weary face did softer grow, 
His eyelids dropped, his arms fell to his side ; 
And moveless in their places did abide 
The nursing women, held by some strong spell, 
E'en as they were, and utter silence fell 
Upon the mournful, glimmering chamber fair. 

But now light footsteps coming up the stair 
Smote on the deadly stillness, and the sound 
Of silken dresses trailing o'er the ground ; 
And heavenly odors through the chamber passed. 
Unlike the scents that rose and lily cast 
Upon the freshness of the dying night ; 
Then nigher drew the sound of footsteps light 
Until the door swung open noiselessly — 
A mass of sunlit flowers there seemed to be 
Within the doorway, and but pale and wan 
The flame showed now that serveth mortal man, 
As one by one six seeming ladies passed 
Into the room, and o'er its sorrow cast 
That thoughtless sense of joy bewildering. 
That kisses youthful hearts amidst of spring ; 
Crowned were they, in such glorious raiment clad, 
As yet no merchant of the world has had 
Within his coffers ; yet those crowns seemed fair 
Only because they kissed their odorous hair, 
And all that flowery raiment was but blessed 
By those fair bodies that its splendor pressed. 

Now to the cradle from that glorious band 
A woman passed, and laid a tender hand 
Upon the babe, and gently drew aside 
The swathings soft that did his body hide ; 
And, seeing him so fair and great, she smiled, 
And stooped, and kissed him, saying, ** O noble child, 
Have thou a gift from Gloriande this day ; 
For to the time when life shall pass away 
From this dear heart, no fear of death or shame, 
No weariness of good shall foul thy name. " 

So saying, to her sisters she returned ; 
And one came forth, upon whose brow there burned 
A crown of rubies, and whose heaving breast 
With happy rings a golden hauberk pressed ; 
She took the babe, and somewhat frowning said, 
" This gift I give, that, till thy limbs are laid 



OGIER THE DANE, 397 

At rest forever, to thine honored life 
There never shall be lacking vv'ar and strife, 
That thou a long-enduring name may'st win, 
And by thy deeds good pardon for thy sin." 

With that another, v^ho, unseen, meanwhile 
Had drawn anigh, said with a joyous smile, 
*' And this forgotten gift to thee I give. 
That while amidst the turmoil thou dost live, 
Still shalt thou win the game, and unto thee 
Defeat and shame but idle words shall be." 

Then back they turned, and therewithal, the fourth 
Said, " Take this gift for what it may be worth, 
For that is mine to give ; lo, thou shalt be 
Gentle of speech, and in all courtesy 
The first of men : a little gift this is, 
After these promises of fame and bliss.'' 

Then toward the babe the fifth fair woman went ; 
Gray-eyed she was, and simple, with eyes bent 
Down on the floor, parted her red lips were, 
And o'er her sweet face marvellously fair 
Oft would the color spread full suddenly ; 
Clad in a dainty gown and thin was she. 
For some green summer of the fay-land dight, 
Tripping she went, and laid her fingers light 
Upon the child, and said, ' ' O little one. 
As long as thou shalt look upon the sun 
Shall women long for thee ; take heed to this 
And give them what thou canst of love and bliss. " 

Then, blushing for her words, therefrom she passed, 
And by the cradle stood the sixth and last. 
The fairest of them all ; awhile she gazed 
Down on the child, and then her hand she raised. 
And made the one side of her bosom bare ; 
" Ogier," she said, " if this be foul or fair 
Thou know'st not now, but when thine earthly life 
Is drunk out to the dregs, and war and strife 
Have yielded thee whatever joy they may. 
Thine head upon this bosom shalt thou lay ; 
And then, despite of knowledge or of God, 
Will we be glad upon the flowery sod 
Within the happy country where I dwell : 
Ogier, my love that is to be, farewell ! " 

She turned, and even as they came they passed 
From out the place, and reached the gate at last 
That oped before their feet, and speedily 



398 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

They gained the edges of the raurmuring sea, 
And as they stood in silence, gazing there 
Out to the west, they vanished into air, 
I know not how, nor whereto they returned. 

But mixed with twih'ght in the chamber burned 
The flickering candles, and those dreary folk, 
Unlike to sleepers, from their trance awoke. 
But naught of what had happed meanwhile they knew ; 
Through the half-opened casements now there blew 
A sweet fresh air, that of the flowers and sea 
Mingled together, smelt deliciously. 
And from the unseen sun the spreading light 
Began to make the fair June blossoms bright, 
And midst their weary woe uprose the sun. 
And thus has Ogier's noble life begun. 



HOPE is our life when first our life grows clear ; 
Hope and delight, scarce crossed by lines of fear, 
Yet the day comes when fain we would not hope, 
But forasmuch as we with life must cope. 
Struggling with this and that, and who knows why? 
Hope will not give us up to certainty. 
But still must bide with us ; and with this man, 
Whose life amid such promises began, 
Great things she wrought ; but now the time has come 
When he no more on earth may have his home. 

Great things he suffered, great delights he had. 
Unto great kings he gave good deeds for bad ; 
He ruled o'er kingdoms where his name no more 
Is had in memory, and on many a shore 
He left his sweat and blood to win a name 
Passing the bounds of earthly creatures' fame. 
A love he won and lost, a well-loved son 
Whose little day of promise soon was done : 
A tender wife he had, that he must leave 
Before his heart her love could well receive ; 
Those promised gifts, that on his careless head 
In those first hours of his fair life were shed, 
He took unwitting, and unwitting spent, 
Nor gave himself to grief and discontent 
Because he saw the end a-drawing nigh. 

Where is he now ? in what land must he die, 
To leave an empty name to us on earth ? 



OGIER THE DANE, . , 399 

A tale half- true, to cast across our mirth 

Some pensive thoughts of life that might have been ; 

Where is he nov^, that all this life has seen ? 

Behold, another eve I bid you see 
Than that calm eve of his nativity ; 
The sun is setting in the west, the sky 
Is clear and hard, and no clouds come anigh 
The golden orb, but further off they lie, 
Steel-gray and black with edges red as blood, 
And underneath them is the weltering flood 
Of some huge sea, whose tumbling hills, as they 
Turn restless sides about, are black or gray 
Or green, or glittering with the golden flame ; 
The wind has fallen now, but still the same 
The mighty army moves, as if to drown 
This lone, bare rock, whose shear scarped sides of brown 
Cast off the weight of waves in clouds of spray. 

Alas ! what ships upon an evil day 
Bent over to the wind in this ill sea ? 
What navy, whose rent bones lie wretchedly 
Beneath these cliffs ? a mighty one it was, 
A fearful storm to bring such things to pass. 

This is the loadstone rock ; no armament 
Of warring nations, in their madness bent 
Their course this way ; no merchant wittingly 
Has steered his keel unto this luckless sea ; 
Upon no shipman's card its name is writ, 
Though worn-out mariners will speak of it 
Within the ingle on the winter's night, 
When all within is warm and safe and bright. 
And the wind howls without : but 'gainst their will 
Are some folk driven here, and then all skill 
Against this evil rock is vain and naught, 
And unto death the shipmen soon are brought ; 
For then the keel, as by a giant's hand, 
Is drawn unto that mockery of a land, 
And presently unto its sides doth cleave ; 
When if they ^scape swift death, yet none may leave 
The narrow limits of that barren isle. 
And thus are slain by famine in a while 
Mocked, as they say, by night with images 
Of noble castles among groves of trees, 
By day with sounds of merry minstrelsy. 



400 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

The sun sinks now below this hopeless sea, 
The clouds are gone, and all the sky is bright ; 
The moon is rising o'er the growing night. 
And by its light may ye behold the bones 
Of generations of these luckless ones 
Scattered about the rock ; but nigh the sea 
Sits one alive, who uncomplainingly 
Awaits his death. White-haired is he and old, 
Arrayed in royal raiment, bright with gold, 
But tarnished with the waves and rough salt air ; 
Huge is he, of a noble face and fair. 
As for an ancient man, though toil and eld 
Furrow the cheeks that ladies once beheld 
With melting hearts — Nay, listen, for he speaks ! 

" God, thou hast made me strong ! nigh seven weeks 
Have passed since from the wreck we haled our store. 
And five long days well told have now passed o'er 
Since my last fellow died with my last bread 
Between his teeth, and yet I am not dead. 
Yea, but for this I had been strong enow 
In some last bloody field my sword to show. 
What matter ? soon will all be past and done, 
Where'er I died I must have died alone : 
Yet, Caraheu, a good death had it been 
Dying, thy face above me to have seen. 
And heard my banner flapping in the wind, 
Then, though my memory had not left thy mind. 
Yet hope and fear would not have vexed thee more 
When thou hadst known that everything was o'er ; 
But now thou waitest still expecting me. 
Whose sail shall never speck thy bright blue sea. 

"And thou, Clarice, the merchants thou may'st call 
To tell thee tales within thy pictured hall, 
But never shall they tell true tales of me : 
Whatever sails the Kentish hills may see 
Swept by the flood -tide toward thy well -walled town. 
No more on my sails shall they look adown. 

'* Get thee another leader, Charlemaine, 
For thou shalt look to see my shield in vain. 
When in the fair fields of the Frankish land. 
Thick as the corn they tread, the heathen stand. 

" What matter ? ye shall learn to live your lives ; 
Husbands and children, other friends and wives, 
Shall wipe the tablets of your memory clean. 
And all shall be as I had never been. 



OGIER THE DANE, 401 

* * And now, O God, am I alone with Thee ; 
A little thing indeed it seems to be 
To give this life up, since it needs must go 
Some time or other ; now at last I know 
How foolishly men play upon the earth, 
When unto them a year of life seems worth 
Honor and friends, and these vague hopes and sweet 
That like real things my dying heart do greet, 
Unreal while living on the earth I trod, 
And but myself I knew no other god. 
Behold, I thank Thee that Thou sweeet^nest thus, 
This end, that I had thought most piteous, 
If of another I had heard it told. " 

What man is this, who weak and worn and old 
Gives up his life within that dreadful isle, 
And on the fearful, coming death can smile ? 
Alas ! this man so battered and outworn 
Is none but he, who, on that summer morn, 
Received such promises of glorious life : 
Ogier the Dane this is, to whom all strife 
Was but as wine to stir awhile the blood. 
To whom all life, however hard, was good : 
This is the man, unmatched of heart and limb, 
Ogier the Dane, whose sight has waxed not dim 
For all the years that he on earth has dwelt ; 
Ogier the Dane, that never fear has felt, 
Since he knew good from ill ; Ogier the Dane, 
The heathen's dread, the evil-doer's bane. 



BRIGHT had the moon grown as his words were done, 
And no more was there memory of the sun 
Within the west, and he grew drowsy now. 
And somewhat smoother was his wrinkled brow 
As thought died out beneath the hand of sleep, 
And o'er his soul forgetfulness did creep, 
Hiding the image of swift-coming death ; 
Until as peacefully he drew his breath 
As on that day, past for a hundred years. 
When, midst the nurse^s quickly-falling tears. 
He fell asleep to his first lullaby. 

The night changed as he slept, white clouds and high 
Began about the lonely moon to close ; 
26 



402 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

And from the dark west a new wind arose, 
And with the sound of heavy-falling waves 
Mingled its pipe about the loadstone caves ; 
But when the twinkling stars were hid away, 
And a faint light and broad like dawn of day. 
The moon upon that dreary country shed, 
Ogier awoke, and lifting up his head 
And smiling, muttered, " Nay, no more again ; 
Rather some pleasure new, some other pain, 
Unthought of both, some other form of strife " ; 
For he had waked from dreams of his old life. 
And through St. Omer's archer-guarded gate 
Once more had seemed to pass, and saw the state 
Of that triumphant king ; and still, though all 
Seemed changed, and folk by other names did call 
Faces he knew of old, yet none the less 
He seemed the same, and, midst that mightiness, 
Felt his own power, and grew the more athirst 
For coming glory, as of old, when first 
He stood before the face of Charlemaine, 
A helpless hostage with all life to gain. 

But now, awake, his worn face once more sank 
Between his hands, and, murmuring not, he drank 
The draught of death that must that thirst allay. 

But while he sat and waited for the day 
A sudden light across the bare rock streamed, 
Which at the first he noted not, but deemed 
The moon her fleecy veil had broken through ', 
But ruddier indeed this new light grew 
Than were the moon's gray beams, and, therewithal, 
Soft far-off music on his ears did fall ; 
Yet moved he not, but murmured, " This is death. 
An easy thing like this to yield my breath, 
Awake, yet dreaming, with no sounds of fear. 
No dreadful sights to tell me it is near \ 
Yea, God, I thank thee ! " but with that last word 
It seemed to him that he his own name heard 
Whispered, as though the wind had borne it past ; 
With that he gat unto his feet at last. 
But still awhile he stood, with sunken head. 
And in a low and trembling voice he said, 
*' Lord, I am ready, whither shall I go ? 
I pray thee unto me some token show." 
And, as he said this, round about he turned, 
And in the east beheld a light that burned 



OGIER THE DANE, 403 

As bright as day ; then, though his flesh might fear 
The coming change that he beheved so near, 
Yet did his soul rejoice, for now he thought 
Unto the very heaven to be brought : 
And though he felt alive, deemed it might be 
That he in sleep had died full easily. 

Then toward that light did he begin to go, 
And still those strains he heard, far off and low, 
That grew no louder ; still that bright light streamed 
Over the rocks, yet nothing brighter seemed. 
But Hke the light of some unseen bright flame 
Shone round about, until at last he came 
Unto the dreary islet's other shore, 
And then the minstrelsy he heard no more. 
And softer seemed the strange light unto him ; 
But yet or ever it had grown quite dim. 
Beneath its waning light could he behold 
A mighty palace set about with gold. 
Above green meads and groves of summer trees 
Far off across the welter of the seas ; 
But, as he gazed, it faded from his sight, 
And the gray hidden moon's diffused soft light, 
Which soothly was but darkness to him now, 
His sea-girt island prison did but show. 

But o'er the sea he still gazed wistfully. 
And said, Alas ! and when will this go by 
And leave my soul in peace ? must I still dream 
Of hfe that once so dear a thing did seem. 
That, when I wake, death may the bitterer be? 
Here will I sit until he come to me. 
And hide mine eyes and think upon my sin, 
That so a little calm I yet may win 
Before I stand within the awful place. " 

Then down he sat and covered up his face, 
Yet therewithal his trouble could not hide, 
Nor waiting thus for death could he abide. 
For, though he knew it not, the yearning pain 
Of hope of life had touched his soul again — 
If he could live awhile, if he could live ! 
The mighty being, who once was wont to give 
The gift of life to many a trembling man ; 
AVho did his own will since his life began ; 
"Who feared not aught, but strong and great and free 
Still cast aside the thought of v/hat might be ; 
Must all this then be lost, and with no will. 
Powerless and blind, must he some fate fulfil, 
Nor know what he is doing any more ? 



404 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Soon he arose and paced along the shore, 
And gazed out seaward for the blessed light ; 
But naught he saw except the old sad sight, 
The ceaseless tumbling of the billows gray. 
The white upspringing of the spurts of spray- 
Amidst that mass of timbers, the rent bones 
Of the sea-houses of the hapless ones 
Once cast like him upon this deadly isle. 

He stopped his pacing in a little while, 
And clenched his mighty hands, and set his teeth, 
And gazing at the ruin underneath, 
He swung from off the bare cliff's jagged brow, 
And on some slippery ledge he wavered now. 
Without a hand-hold, and now stoutly clung 
"With hands alone, and o'er the welter hung, 
Not caring aught if thus his life should end ; 
But safely midst all this did he descend 
The dreadful cliff, and since no beach was there, 
But from the depths the rock rose stark and bare, 
Nor crumbled aught beneath the hammering sea, 
Upon the wrecks he stood unsteadily. 

But now, amid the clamor of the waves. 
And washing to-and-fro of beams and staves, 
Dizzy with hunger, dreamy with distress. 
And all those days of fear and loneliness, 
The ocean's tumult seemed the battle's roar, 
His heart grew hot, as when in days of yore 
He heard the cymbals clash amid the crowd 
Of dusky faces ; now he shouted loud. 
And from crushed beam to beam began to leap, 
And yet his footing somehow did he keep 
Amidst their tossing, and indeed the sea 
Was somewhat sunk upon the island's lee. 
So quickly on from wreck to wreck he passed, 
And reached the outer line of wrecks at last. 
And there a moment stood unsteadily, 
Amid the drift of spray that hurried by. 
And drew Courtain his sword from out its sheath, 
And poised himself to meet the coming death. 
Still looking out to sea ; but as he gazed, 
And once or twice his doubtful feet he raised 
To take final plunge, that heavenly strain 
Over the washing waves he heard again, 
And from the dimness something bright he saw 
Across the waste of waters towards him draw ; 



OGIER THE DANE. 405 

And hidden now, now raised aloft, at last 
Unto his very feet a boat was cast. 
Gilded inside and out, and well arrayed 
With cushions soft ; far fitter to have weighed 
From some sweet garden on the shallow Seine, 
Or in a reach of green Thames to have lain. 
Than struggle with that huge confused sea ; 
But Ogier gazed upon it doubtfully 
One moment, and then, sheathing Courtain, said, 
" What tales are these about the newly dead 
The heathen told ? what matter, let all pass ; 
This moment as one dead indeed I was, 
And this must be what I have got to do, 
I yet perchance may light on something new 
Before I die ; though yet perchance this keel 
Unto the wondrous mass of charmed steel 
Is drawn as others. " With that word he leapt 
Into the boat, and o'er the cushions crept 
From stem to stern, but found no rudder there, 
Nor any oars, nor were the cushions fair 
Made wet by any dashing of the sea. 

Now while he pondered how these things could be, 
The boat began to move therefrom at last, 
But over him a drowsiness was cast. 
And as o'er tumbling hills the skiff did pass, 
He clean forgot his death and where he was. 

At last he woke up to a sunny day. 
And, looking round, saw that his shallop lay 
Moored at the edge of some fair tideless sea 
Unto an overhanging thick -leaved tree. 
Where in the green waves did the low bank dip ; 
Its fresh and green grass-covered daisied hp ; 
But Ogier looking thence no more could see 
That sad abode of death and misery. 
Nor aught but wide and empty ocean, gray 
With gathering haze, for now it neared midday ; 
Then from the golden cushions did he rise. 
And wondering still if this were Paradise 
He stepped ashore, but drew Courtain his sword 
And muttered therewithal a holy word. 

Fair was the place, as though amidst of May, 
Nor did the brown birds fear the sunny day. 
For with their quivering song the air was sweet ; 
Thick grew the field-flowers underneath his feet, 
And on his head the blossoms down did rain, 



o6 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

Yet mid these fair things slowly and with pain 

He 'gan to go, yea, even when his foot 

First touched the liowery sod, to his heart's root 

A coldness seemed to strike, and now each limb 

Was growing stiff, his eyes waxed bleared and dim, 

And all his stored-up memory ^gan to fail, 

Nor yet would his once mighty heart avail 

For lamentations o'er his changed lot ; 

Yet urged by some desire, he knew not what, 

Along a little path 'twixt hedges sweet, 

Drawn sword in hand, he dragged his faltering feet, 

For what then seemed to him a weary way, 

Whereon his steps he needs must often stay 

And lean upon the mighty well-worn sword 

That in those hands, grown old, for king or lord 

Had small respect in glorious days long past. 

But still he crept along, and at the last 
Came to a gilded wicket, and through this 
Entered a garden fit for utmost bliss, 
If that might last which needs must soon go by : 
There 'gainst a tree he leaned, and with a sigh. 
He said, ' ' O God, a sinner I have been. 
And good it is that I these things have seen 
Before I meet what thou hast set apart 
To cleanse the earthly folly from my heart ; 
But who within this garden now can dwell 
Wherein guilt first upon the world befell ? " 

A little further yet he staggered on, 
Till to a fountain-side at last he won, 
O'er which two white-thorns their sweet blossoms shed, 
There he sank down, and laid his weary head 
Beside the mossy roots, and in a while 
He slept, and dreamed himself within the isle ; 
That splashing fount the weary sea did seem. 
And in his dream the fair place but a dream ; 
But when again to feebleness he woke 
Upon his ears that heavenly music broke, 
Not faint or far as in the isle it was. 
But e'en as though the minstrels now did pass 
Anigh his resting-place ; then fallen in doubt, 
E'en as he might, he rose and gazed about, 
Leaning against the hawthorn stem with pain ; 
And yet his straining gaze was but in vain, 
Death stole so fast upon him, and no more 
Could he behold the blossoms as before, 



OGIER THE DANE. 407 

No more the trees seemed rooted to the ground, 

A heavy mist seemed gathering all around, 

And in its heart some bright thing seemed to be, 

And round his head there breathed deliciously 

Sweet odors, and that music never ceased. 

But as the weight of Death's strong hand increased 

Again he sank adown, and Courtain's noise 

Within the scabbard seemed a farewell voice 

Sent from the world he loved so well of old, 

And all his life was as a story told, 

And as he thought thereof he ^gan to smile 

E'en as a child asleep, but in a while 

It was as though he slept, and sleeping dreamed, 

For in his half-closed eyes a glory gleamed, 

As though from some sweet face and golden hair, 

And on his breast were laid soft hands and fair, 

And a sweet voice was ringing in his ears, 

Broken as if with flow of joyous tears ; 

" Ogier, sweet friend, hast thou not tarried long? 
Alas ! thine hundred years of strife and wrong ! " 
Then he found voice to say, ' ' Alas ! dear Lord, 
Too long, too long ; and yet one little word 
Right many a year agone had brought me here." 
Then to his face that face was drawn anear. 
He felt his head raised up and gently laid 
On some kind knee, again the sweet voice said, 
*' Nay, Ogier, nay, not yet, not yet, dear friend! 
Who knoweth when our linked life shall end, 
Since thou art come unto my arms at last. 
And all the turmoil of the world is past ? 
Why do I linger ere I see thy face 
As I desired it in that mourning place 
So many years ago — so many years, 
Thou knewest not thy love and all her fears ? " 

" Alas ! " he said, " what mockery is this 
That thou wilt speak to me of earthly bliss ? 
No longer can I think upon the earth. 
Have I not done with all its grief and mirth ? 
Yes, I was Og'.er once, but if my love 
Should come once more my dying heart to move. 
Then must she come from 'neath the milk-white walls 
Whereon to-day the hawthorn blossoms falls 
Outside St. Omer's — art thou she? her name 
I could remember once 'mid death and fame 
Is clean forgotten now ; but yesterday, 
Meseems, our son upon her bosom lay s 



4c3 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Baldwin the fair — what hast thou done with him 
Since Chariot slew him ? Ah, mine eyes wax dim ; 
Woman, forbear! wilt thou not let me die? 
Did I forget thee in the days gone by ? 
Then let me die, that we may meet again ! " 

He tried to move from her, but all in vain, 
For life had wellnigh left him, but withal 
He felt a kiss upon his forehead fall, 
And could not speak ; he felt slim fingers fair 
Move to his mighty sword-worn hand, and there 
Set on some ring, and still he could not speak, 
And once more sleep weighed down his eyelids weak. 



BUT, ah ! what land was this he woke unto ? 
What joy was this that filled his heart anew ? 
Had he then gained the very Paradise ? 
Trembling, he durst not at the first arise. 
Although no more he felt the pain of eld. 
Nor durst he raise his eyes that now beheld 
Beside him the white flowers and blades of grass ; 
He durst not speak, lest he some monster was. 

But while he lay and hoped, that gentle voice 
Once more he heard ; '* Yea, thou may'st well rejoice ! 
Thou livest still, my sweet, thou livest still, 
Apart from every earthly fear and ill ; 
Wilt thou not love me, who have wrought thee this, 
That I like thee may live in double bliss ? " 

Then Ogier rose up, nowise like to one 
Whose span of earthly life is nigh outrun. 
But as he might have risen in old days 
To see the spears cleave the fresh morning haze ; 
But, looking round, he saw no change there was 
In the fair place wherethrough he first did pass. 
Though all, grown clear and joyous to his eyes, 
Now looked no worse than very Paradise ; 
Behind him were the thorns, the fountain fair 
Still sent its glittering stream forth into air, 
And by its basin a fair woman stood. 
And as their eyes met his renewed blood 
Rushed to his face ; with unused thoughts and sweet 
And hurrying hopes, his heart began to beat. 



OGIER THE DANE. 409 

The fairest of all creatures did she seem ; 
So fresh and delicate you well might deem 
That scarce for eighteen summers had she blessed 
The happy, longing world ; yet, for the rest, 
Within her glorious eyes such wisdom dwelt 
A child before her had the wise man felt, 
And with the pleasure of a thousand years 
Her lips were fashioned to move joy or tears 
Among the longing folk where she might dwell, 
To give at last the kiss unspeakable. 

In such wise was she clad as folk may be, 
Who, for no shame of their humanity, * 

For no sad changes of the imperfect year. 
Rather for added beauty, raiment wear ; 
For, as the heat-foretelling gray-blue haze 
Veils the green flowery morn of late May-days, 
Her raiment veiled her ; where the bands did meet 
That bound J;he sandals to her dainty feet. 
Gems gleamed ; a fresh rose-wreath embraced her head, 
And on her breast there lay a ruby red. 

So with a supplicating look she turned 
To meet the flame that in his own eyes burned, 
And held out both her white arms lovingly, 
As though to greet him as he drew anigh. 
Stammering he said, " Who art thou ? how am I 
So cured of all my evils suddenly, 
That certainly I felt no mightier, when. 
Amid the backward rush of beaten men. 
About me drooped the axe-torn Oriflamme ? 
Alas ! I fear that in some dream I am. " 

*' Qgier," she said, " draw near, perchance it is 
That such a name God gives unto our bliss ; 
I know not, but if thou art such an one 
As I must deem, all days beneath the sun 
That thou hast had, shall be but dreams indeed 
To those that I have given thee at thy need. 
For many years ago beside the sea 
When thou wert born, I plighted troth with thee ; 
Come near then, and make mirrors of mine eyes, 
That thou mayst see what these my mysteries 
Have wrought in thee ; surely but thirty years. 
Passed amidst joy, thy new-born body bears, 
Nor while thou art with me, and on this shore 
Art still full-fed of love, shalt thou see more. 
Nay, love, come nigher, and let me take thine hand, 
The hope and fear of many a warring land, 



410 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

And I will show thee wherein lies the spell. 
Whereby this happy change upon thee felL" 

Like a shy youth before some royal love, 
Close up to that fair woman did he move, 
And their hands met ; yet to his changed voice 
He dared not trust ; nay, scarcely could rejoice 
E'en when her balmy breath he 'gan to feel. 
And felt strange sweetness o'er his spirit steal 
As her light raiment, driven by the wind, 
Swept round him, and, bewildered and half-blind, 
• His lips the treasure of her lips did press. 
And round him clung her perfect loveliness. 

For one sweet moment thus they stood, and then 
She drew herself from out his arms again, 
And panting, lovelier for her love, did stand 
Apart awhile, then took her lover's hand, 
And, in a trembling voice, made haste to say, — 

'* O Ogier, when thou camest here to-day, 
I feared indeed, that in my sport with fate, 
I might have seen thee e'en one day too late, 
Before this ring thy finger should embrace ; 
Behold it, love, and thy keen eyes may trace 
Faint figures wrought upon the ruddy gold ; 
My father dying gave it me, nor told 
The manner of its making, but I know 
That it can make thee e'en as thou art now 
Despite the laws of God — shrink not from me 
Because I give an impious gift to thee — 
Has not God made me also, who do this ? 
But I, who longed to share with thee my bliss, 
Am of the fays, and live their changeless life, 
And, like the gods of old, I see the strife 
That moves the world, unmoved if so I will ; 
For we the fruit, that teaches good and ill. 
Have never touched like you of Adam's race ; 
And while thou dwellest with me in this place 
Thus shalt thou be — ah, and thou deem'st, indeed, 
That thou shalt gain thereby no happy meed 
Reft of the world's joys ? nor canst understand 
How thou art come into a happy land ? — 
Love, in thy world the priests of heaven still sing, 
And tell thee of it many a joyous thing ; 
But thinkst thou, bearing the world's joy and pain, 
Thou couldst live there ? nay, nay, but bom again 
Thou wouldst be happy with the angels' bliss ; 



OGIER THE DANE. 411 

And so with us no otherwise it is, 

Nor hast thou cast thine old hfe quite away 

Even as yet, though that shall be to-day. 

*' But for the love and country thou hast won, 
Know thou, that thou art come to Avail on, 
That is both thine and mine ; and as for me, 
Morgan le Fay men call me commonly 
Within the world, but fairer names than this 
I have for thee and me, 'twixt kiss and kiss." 

Ah, what was this ? and was it all in vain, 
That she had brought him here this life to gain ? 
For, ere her speech was done, like one turned blind 
He watched the kisses of the wandering wind 
Within her raiment, or as some one sees 
The very best of well -wrought images 
When he is blind with grief, did he behold 
The wandering tresses of her locks of gold 
Upon her shoulders ; and no more he pressed 
The hand that in his own hand lay at rest : 
His eyes, grown dull with changing memories, 
Could make no answer to her glorious eyes : 
Cold waxed his heart, and weary and distraught, 
With many a cast-by, hateful, dreary thought. 
Unfinished in the old days ; and withal 
He needs must think of what might chance to fall 
In this life new-begun ; and good and bad 
Tormented him, because as yet he had 
A worldly heart within his frame made new. 
And to the deeds that he was wont to do 
Did his desires still turn. But she a while 
Stood gazing at him with a doubtful smile, 
And let his hand fall down ; but suddenly 
Sounded sweet music from some close nearby. 
And then she spoke again : *' Come, love, with me, 
That thou thy new life and delights mayst see," 
And gently with that word she led him thence. 
And though upon him now there fell a sense 
Of dreamy and unreal bewilderment. 
As hand in hand through that green place they went. 
Yet therewithal a strain of tender love 
A little yet his restless heart did move. 

So through the whispering trees they came at last 
To where a wondrous house a shadow cast 
Across the flowers, and o'er the daisied grass 
Before it, crowds of lovely folk did pass. 



412 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

Playing about in carelessness and mirth, 

Unshadowed by the doubtful deeds of earth ; 

And from the midst a band of fair girls came, 

With flowers and music, greeting him by name, 

And praising him ; but ever like a dream 

He could not break, did all to Ogier seem, 

And he his old world did the more desire. 

For in his heart still burned unquenched the fire, 

That through the world of old so bright did burn : 

Yet was he fain that kindness to return, 

And from the depth of his full heart he sighed. 

Then toward the house the lovely Queen did guide 
His listless steps, and seemed to take no thought 
Of knitted brow or wandering eyes distraught, 
But still with kind love lighting up her face 
She led him through the door of that fair place. 
While round about them did the damsels press ; 
And he was moved by all that loveliness 
As one might be, who, lying half asleep 
In the May morning, notes the light wind sweep 
Over the tulip beds ; no more to him 
Were gleaming eyes, red lips, and bodies slim. 
Amidst that dream, although the first surprise 
Of hurried love wherewith the Queen's sweet eyes 
Had smitten him, still in his heart did stir. 

And so at last he came, led on by her 
Into a hall wherein a fair throne was. 
And hand in hand thereto the twain did pass j 
And there she bade him sit, and when alone 
He took his place upon the double throne, 
She cast herself before him on her knees. 
Embracing his, and greatly did increase 
The shame and love that vexed his troubled heart : 
But now a line of girls the crowd did part, 
Lovelier than all, and Ogier could behold 
One in their midst who bore a crown of gold 
Within her slender hands and delicate ; 
She, drawing nigh, beside the throne did wait 
Until the Queen arose and took the crown. 
Who then to Ogier's lips did stoop adown 
And kissed him, and said, " Ogier, what were worth 
Thy miserable days of strife on earth. 
That on their ashes still thine eyes are turned ? " 

Then, as she spoke these words, his changed heart burned 
With sudden memories, and thereto had he 



OGIER THE DANE, 413 

Made answer, but she raised up suddenly 

The crown she held and set it on his head, 

*' Ogier,'' she cried, " those troublous days are dead | 

Thou wert dead with them also, but for me ; 

Turn unto her who wrought these things for thee ! " 

Then, as he felt her touch, a mighty wave 
Of love swept o'er his soul, as though the grave 
Did really hold his body ; from his seat 
He rose to cast himself before her feet ; 
But she clung round him, and in close embrace 
The twain were locked amidst that thronging place. 

Thenceforth new life indeed has Ogier won, 
And in the happy land of Avallon 
Quick glide the years o'er his unchanging head ; 
There saw he many men the world thought dead, , 
Living like him in sweet forgetfulness 
Of all the troubles that did once oppress 
Their vainly-struggling lives — ah, how can I 
Tell of their joy as though I had been nigh ? 
Suffice it that no fear of death they knew, 
That there no talk there was of false or true. 
Of right or wrong, for traitors came not there ; 
That everything was bright and soft and fair, 
And yet they wearied not for any change, 
Nor unto them did constancy seem strange. 
Love knew they, but its pain they never had. 
But with each other's joy were they made glad | 
Nor were their lives wasted by hidden fire, 
Nor knew they of the unfulfilled desire 
That turns to ashes all the joys of earth. 
Nor knew they yearning love amidst the dearth 
Of kind and loving hearts to spend it on. 
Nor dreamed of discontent when all was won ; 
Nor need they struggle after wealth and fame ; 
Still was the calm flow of their lives the same, 
And yet, I say, they wearied not of it — 
So did the promised days by Ogier flit. 



THINK that a hundred years have now passed by, 
Since ye beheld Ogier lie down to die 
Beside the fountain ; think that now ye are 
In France, made dangerous with wasting war ; 



414 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

In Paris, where about each guarded gate, 

Gathered in knots, the anxious people wait, 

And press around each new-come man to learn 

If Harfleur now the pagan wasters burn, 

Or if the Rouen folk can keep their chain. 

Or Pont de 1' Arche unburnt still guards the Seine ? 

Or if 'tis true that Andelys succor wants ? 

That Vernon's folk are fleeting east to Mantes? 

When will they come ? or rather is it true 

That a great band the Constable o'erthrew 

Upon the marshes of the lower Seine, 

And that their long ships, turning back again, 

Caught by the high-raised waters of the bore 

Were driven here and there and cast ashore ? 

Such questions did they ask, and, as fresh men 
Came hurrying in, they asked them o'er again, 
And from scared folk, or fools, or ignorant, 
Still got new lies or tidings very scant. 

But now amidst these men at last came one, 
A little ere the setting of the sun. 
With two stout men behind him, armed right well, 
Who ever as they rode on, sooth to tell. 
With doubtful eyes upon their master stared, 
Or looked about like troubled men and scared. 
And he they served was noteworthy indeed ; 
Of ancient fashion were his arms and weed, 
Rich past the wont of men in those sad times % 
His face was bronzed, as though by burning climes, 
But lovely as the image of a god 
Carved in the days before on earth Christ trod ; 
But solemn were his eyes, and gray as glass, 
And like to ruddy gold his fine hair was ; 
A mighty man he was, and taller far 
Than those who on that day must bear the war 
The pagans waged : he by the warders stayed 
Scarce looked on them, but straight their words obeyed 
And showed his pass ; then, asked about his name 
And from what city of the world he came. 
Said, that men called him now the Ancient Knight, 
That he was come midst the king's men to fight 
From St. Omer's ; and as he spoke, he gazed 
Down on the thronging street as one amazed, 
And answered no more to the questioning 
Of frightened folk of this or that sad thing ; 
But ere he passed on, turned about at last 



OGIER THE DANE, 415 

And on the wondering guard a strange look cast, 
And said, "St. Mary ! do such men as ye 
Fight with the wasters from across the sea ? 
Then, certes, are ye lost, however good 
Your hearts may be ; not such were those who stood 
Beside the Hammer-bearer years agone. " 
So said he, and as his fair armor shone 
With beauty of a time long passed away, 
So with the music of another day 
His deep voice thrilled the awe-struck, listening folk. 

Yet from the crowd a mocking voice outbroke, 
That cried, " Be merry, masters, fear ye naught, 
Surely good succor to our side is brought ; 
For here is Charlemaine come off his tomb 
To save his faithful city from its doom." 

"Yea," said another, "this is certain news, 
Surely ye know how all the carvers use 
To carve the dead man's image at the best, 
That guards the place where he may lie at rest ; 
Wherefore this living image looks indeed. 
Spite of his ancient tongue and marvellous weed, 
To have but thirty summers." 

At the name 
Of Charlemaine, he turned to whence there came 
The mocking voice, and somewhat knit his brow, 
And seemed as he would speak, but scarce knew how ; 
So with a half-sigh soon sank back again 
Into his dream, and shook his well-wrought rein. 
And silently went on upon his way. 

And this was Ogier : on what evil day 
Has he then stumbled, that he needs must come. 
Midst war and ravage, to the ancient home 
Of his desires ? did he grow weary then. 
And wish to strive once more with foolish men 
For worthless things ? or is fair Avallon 
Sunk in the sea, and all that glory gone ? 

Nay, thus it happed — One day she came to him 
And said, " Ogier, thy name is waxen dim 
Upon the world that thou rememberest not ; 
The heathen men are thick on many a spot 
Thine eyes have seen, and which I love therefore ; 
And God will give His wonted help no more. 
Wilt thou, then, help ? canst thou have any mind 
To give thy banner once more to the wind ? 



4i6 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Since greater glory thou slialt win for this 

Than erst thou gatheredst ere thou cam'st to bhss : 

For men are dwindled both in heart and frame, 

Nor holds the fair land any such a name 

As thine, when thou wert living midst thy peers ; 

The world is worser for these hundred years." 

From his calm eyes there gleamed a little fire, 
And in his voice was something of desire, 
To see the land where he was used to be. 
As now he answered : ' ' Nay, choose thou for me. 
Thou art the wisest ; it is more than well 
Within this peaceful place with thee to dwell : 
Nor ill perchance in that old land to die, 
If, dying, I keep not the memory 
Of this fair life of ours/' " Nay, nay," said she, 
*' As to thy dying, that shall never be. 
Whiles that thou keepst my ring — and now, behold, 
I take from thee thy charmed crown of gold, 
And thou wilt be the Ogier that thou wast 
Ere on the loadstone rock thy ship was cast : 
Yet thou shalt have thy youthful body still. 
And I will guard thy life from every ill." 

So it was done, and Ogier, armed right well, 
Sleeping, was borne away by some strong spell, 
And set upon the Flemish coast ; and thence 
Turned to St Omer^s, with a doubtful sense 
Of being in some wild dream, the while he knew 
That great delight forgotten was his due,' 
That all which there might hap was of small worth. 

So on he went, and sometimes unto mirth 
Did his attire move the country-folk, 
But oftener when strange speeches from him broke 
Concerning men and things for long years dead, 
He filled the listeners with great awe and dread ; 
For in such wild times as these people were 
Are men soon moved to wonder and to fear. 

Now through the streets of Paris did he ride, 
And at a certain hostel did abide 
Throughout that night, and ere he went next day 
He saw a book that on a table lay, 
And opening it 'gan read in lazy mood ; 
But long before it in that place he stood. 
Noting nought else ; for it did chronicle 
The deeds of men of old he knew right well. 
When they were living in the flesh with him : 



OGIER THE DANE, 417 

Yea, his own deeds he saw, grown strange and dim 

Already, and true stories mixed with lies, 

Until, with many thronging memories 

Of those old days, his heart was so oppressed, 

He 'gan to wish that he might lie at rest. 

Forgetting all things : for indeed by this 

Little remembrance had he of the bliss 

That wrapped his soul in peaceful Avallon. 

But his changed life he needs must carry on ; 
For ye shall know the (^ueen was gathering men 
To send unto the good King, who as then 
In Rouen lay, beset by many a band 
Of those who carried terror through the land, 
And still by messengers for help he prayed : 
Therefore a mighty muster was being made. 
Of weak and strong, and brave and timorous, 
Before the Queen anigh her royal house. 
So thither on this morn did Ogier turn. 
Some certain news about the war to learn ; 
And when he came at last into the square. 
And saw the ancient palace great and fair 
Rise up before him as in other days, 
And in the merry morn the bright sun's rays 
Glittering on gathering helms and moving spears, 
He ^gan to feel as in the long-past years. 
And his heart stirred w^ithin him. Now the Queen 
Came from within, right royally beseen. 
And took her seat beneath a canopy. 
With lords and captains of the war anigh ; 
And as she came a mighty shout arose. 
And round about began the knights to close. 
Their oath of fealty there to swear anew, 
And learn what service they had got to do. 
But so it was, that some their shouts must stay 
To gaze at Ogier as he took his way 
Through the thronged place ; and quickly too he gat 
Unto the place whereas the Lady sat, 
For men gave place unto him, fearing him : 
For not alone was he most huge of limb, 
And dangerous, but something in his face. 
As his calm eyes looked o'er the crowded place, 
Struck men with awe ; and in the ancient days. 
When men might hope alive on gods to gaze. 
They would have thought * the Gods yet love our town, 
And from the heavens have sent a great one down,' 
27 



4i8 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

Withal unto the throne he came so near, 
That he the Queen's sweet measured voice could hear ; 
And swiftly now w^ithin him wrought the change 
That first he felt amid those faces strange ; 
And his heart burned to taste the hurrying life 
With such desires, such changing sweetness rife. 
And yet, indeed, how should he live alone, 
Who in the old past days such friends had known ? 
Then he began to think of Carraheu, 
Of Bellicent the fair, and once more knew 
The bitter pain of rent and ended love. 
But while w^ith hope and vain regret he strove, 
He found none 'twixt him and the Queen's high-seat, 
And, stepping forth, he knelt before her feet _ 
And took her hand to swear, as was the way 
Of doing fealty in that ancient day, 
And raised his eyes to hers ; as fair was she 
As any woman of the world might be, 
Full-limbed and tall, dark-haired, from her deep eyes, 
The snare of fools, the ruin of the wise, 
Love looked unchecked ; and now her dainty hand, 
The well-knit holder of the golden wand. 
Trembled in his, she cast her eyes adown, 
And her sweet i3row was knitted to a frown. 
As he, the taker of such oaths of yore, 
Now unto her all due obedience swore. 
Yet gave himself no name ; and now the Queen, 
Awed by his voice as other folk had been, 
Yet felt a trembling hope within her rise 
Too sweet to think of, and with love's surprise 
Her cheek grew pale ; she said, *' Thy style and name 
Thou tellest not, nor what land of thy fame 
Is glad ; for, certes, some land must be glad. 
That in its bounds her house thy mother had/' 

" Lady," he said, " from what far land I come 
I well might tell thee, but another home 
Have I long dwelt in, and its name have I 
Forgotten now, forgotten utterly 
Who were my fellows, and what deeds they did ;• 
Therefore, indeed, shall my first name be hid 
And my first country ; call me on this day 
The Ancient Knight, and let me go my way." 
He rose withal, for she her fingers fair 
Had drawn aback, and on him 'gan to stare 
As one afeard ; for something terrible 
Was in his speech, and that she knew right well, 



OGIER THE DANE, 419 

Who 'gan to love him, and to fear that she, 
Shut out by some strange deadly mystery, 
Should never gain from him an equal love ; 
Yet, as from her high-seat he 'gan to move, 
She said, ' ' O Ancient Knight, come presently. 
When we have done this muster, unto me. 
And thou shalt have thy charge and due command 
For freeing from our foes this wretched land ! " 

Then Ogier made his reverence and went. 
And somewhat could perceive of her intent ; 
For in his heart life grew, and love with life 
Grew, and therewith, twixt love and fame, was strife. 

But, as he slowly gat him from the square. 
Gazing at all the people gathered there, 
A squire of the Queen's behind him came. 
And breathless, called him by his new-coined name, 
And bade him turn because the Queen now bade, 
Since by the muster long she might be stayed, 
That to the palace he should bring him straight. 
Midst sport and play her coming back to wait ; 
Then Ogier turned, naught loath, and with him went, 
And to a postern-gate his steps he bent, 
That Ogier knew right well in days of old ; 
Worn was it now, and the bright hues and gold 
Upon the shields above, with lapse of days. 
Were faded much : but now did Ogier gaze 
Upon the garden where he walked of yore. 
Holding the hands that he should see no more ; 
For all was changed except the palace fair. 
That Charlemaine's own eyes had seen built there 
Ere Ogier knew him ; there the squire did lead 
The Ancient Knight, who still took little heed 
Of all the things that by the way he said. 
For all his thoughts were on the days long dead. 

There in the painted hall he sat again. 
And 'neath the pictured eyes of Charlemaine 
He ate and drank, and felt it like a dream ; 
And midst his growing longings yet might deem 
That he from sleep should wake up presently 
In some fair city on the Syrian sea. 
Or on the brown rocks of the loadstone isle. 
But fain to be alone, within a while 
He gat him to the garden, and there passed 
By wondering squires and damsels, till at last, 
Far from the merry folk who needs must play, 
If on the world were coming its last day, 



420 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

He sat him down, and through his mind there ran 
Faint thoughts of that day, when, outworn and wan, 
He lay down by the fountain-side to die. 
But when he strove to gain clear memory 
Of what had happed since on the isle he lay 
Waiting for death, a hopeless castaway. 
Thought, failing him, would rather bring again 
His life among the peers of Charlemaine, 
And vex his soul with hapless memories ; 
Until at last, worn out by thought of these, 
And hopeless striving to find what was true, 
And pondering on the deeds he had to do 
Ere he returned, whereto he could not tell, 
Sweet sleep upon his wearied spirit fell. 
And on the afternoon of that fair day, 
Forgetting all, beneath the trees he lay. 

Meanwhile the Queen, affairs of state being done, 
"Went through the gardens with one dame alone 
Seeking for Ogier, whom at last she found 
Laid sleeping on the daisy-sprinkled ground 
Dreaming, I know not what, of other days. 
Then on him for a while the Queen did gaze, 
Drawing sweet poison from the lovely sight. 
Then to her fellow turned, ' ' The Ancient Knight — 
What means he by this word of his ! " she said ; 
*' He were well mated with some lovely maid 
Just pondering on the late-heard name of love." 

" Softly, my lady, he begins to move," 
Her fellow said, a woman old and gray ; 
'^ Look now, his arms are of another day ; 
None know him or his deeds ; thy squire just said 
He asked about the state of men long dead ; 
I fear what he may be ; look, seest thou not . 
That ring that on one finger he has got. 
Where figures strange upon the gold are wrought : 
God grant that he from hell has not been brought 
For our confusion, in this doleful war, 
Who surely in enough of trouble are 
Without such help " ; then the Queen turned aside 
Awhile, her drawn and troubled face to hide. 
For lurking dread this speech within her stirred ; 
But yet she said, *' Thou sayest a foolish word. 
This man is come against our enemies 
To fight for us." Then down upon her knees 
Fell the old woman by the sleeping knight. 



OGIER THE DANE. 421 

And from his hand she drew with fingers hght 

The wondrous ring, and scarce again could rise 

Ere 'neath the trembhng Queen's bewildered eyes 

The change began ; his golden hair turned white, 

His smooth cheek wrinkled, and his breathing light 

Was turned to troublous struggling for his breath, 

And on his shrunk lips lay the hand of death ; 

And, scarce less pale than he, the trembling Queen 

Stood thinking on the beauty she had seen 

And longed for but a little while ago. 

Yet with her terror still her love did grow, 

And she began to weep as though she saw 

Her beauty e'en to such an ending draw. 

And 'neath her tears waking he oped his eyes, 

And strove to speak, but naught but gasping sighs 

His lips could utter ; then he tried to reach 

His hand to them, as though he would beseech 

The gift of what was his : but all the while 

The crone gazed on them with an evil smile. 

Then holding toward the Queen that wondrous ring. 

She said, " Why weep'st thou? having this fair thing, 

Thou, losing naught the beauty that thou hast, 

May'st watch the vainly struggling world go past, 

Thyself unchanged. " The Queen put forth her hand 

And took the ring, and there awhile did stand 

And strove to think of it, but still in her 

Such all absorbing longings love did stir. 

So young she was, of death she could not think, 

Or what a cup eld gives to man to drink j 

Yet on her finger did she set the ring 

When now the life that hitherto did cling 

To Ogier's heart seemed fading quite away, 

And scarcely breathing with shut eyes he lay. 

Then, kneeling down, she murmured piteously, 

'' Ah, wilt thou love me if I give it thee. 

And thou grow'st young again ? what should I do 

If with the eyes thou thus shalt gain anew 

Thou shouldst look scorn on me ? " But with that word 

The hedge behind her, by the west wind stirred 

Cast fear into her heart of some one nigh. 

And therewith on his finger hastily 

She set the ring, then rose and stood apart 

A little way, and in her doubtful heart 

With love and fear was mixed desire of life. 

But standing so, a look with great scorn rife 
The elder woman, turning, cast on her, 



422 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

Pointing to Ogier, who began to stir ; 

She looked, and all she erst saw now did seem 

To have been nothing but a hideous dream, 

As fair and young he rose from off the ground 

And cast a dazed and puzzled look around. 

Like one just waked from sleep in some strange place ; 

But soon his grave eyes rested on her face. 

And turned yet graver seeing her so pale, 

And that her eyes were pregnant with some tale 

Of love and fear ; she 'neath his eyes the while 

Forced her pale lips to semblance of a smile. 

And said, " O Ancient Knight, thou sleepest then? 

While through this poor land range the heathen men, 

Unmet of any but my King and Lord : 

Nay, let us see the deeds of thine old sword. " 

" Queen," said he, "bid me then unto this work, 

And certes I behind no wall would lurk. 

Nor send for succor, while a scanty folk 

Still followed after me to break the yoke : 

I pray thee grace for sleeping, and were fain 

That I might rather never sleep again 

Then have such wretched dreams as I e'en now 

Have waked from." 

Lovelier she seemed to grow 
Unto him as he spoke ; fresh color came 
Into her face, as though for some sweet shame, 
While she with tearful eyes beheld him so. 
That somewhat even must his burnt cheek glow. 
His heart beat faster. But again she said, 
' ' Nay, will dreams burden such a mighty head ? 
Then may I too have pardon for a dream ; 
Last night in sleep I saw thee, who didst seem 
To be the King of France ; and thou and I 
Were sitting at some great festivity 
Within the many-peopled gold-hung place." 

The blush of shame was gone as on his face 
She gazed, and saw him read her meaning clear 
And knew that no cold words she had to fear. 
But rather that for softer speech he yearned. 
Therefore, with love alone her smooth cheek burned ; 
Her parted lips were hungry for his kiss. 
She trembled at the near approaching bliss ; 

Nathless, she checked her love a little while, 
Because she felt the old dame's curious smile 
Upon her, and she said, " O Ancient Knight, 
If I then read my last night's dream aright. 



OGIER THE DANE. 

Thou art come here our very help to be, 
Perchance to give my husband back to me ; 
Come then, if thou this land art fain to save, 
And show the wisdom thou must surely have 
Unto my council ; I will give thee then 
What charge I may among my valiant men ; 
And certes thou wilt do so well herein, 
That, erelong, something greater shalt thou win : 
Come, then, deliverer of my throne and land, 
And let me touch for once thy mighty hand 
With these weak fingers." 

As she spoke, she met 
His eager hand, and all things did forget 
But for one moment, for too wise were they 
To cast the coming years of joy away ; 
Then with her other hand her gown she raised 
And led him thence, and o'er her shoulder gazed 
At her old follower with a doubtful smile. 
As though to say, " Be wise, I knov/ thy guile !" 

But slowly she behind the lovers walked. 
Muttering, " So be it ! thou shalt not be balked 
Of thy desire ; be merry ! I am wise. 
Nor will I rob thee of thy Paradise 
For any other than myself ; and thou 
May'st even happen to have had enow 
Of this new love, before I get the ring, 
And I may work for thee no evil thing." 

Now ye shall know that the old chronicle. 
Wherein I read all this, doth duly tell 
Of all the gallant deeds that Ogier did, 
There may ye read them ; nor let me be chid 
If I therefore say little of these things. 
Because the thought of Avallon still clings 
Unto my heart, and scarcely can I bear 
To think of that long, dragging, useless year, 
Through which, with dulled and glimmering memory, 
Ogier was grown content to live and die 
Like other men ; but this I have to say, 
That in the council chamber on that day 
The Old Knight showed his wisdom well enow, 
While fainter still with love the Queen did grow 
Hearing his words, beholding his gray eyes 
Flashing with fire of warlike memories ; 
Yea, at the last he seemed so wise indeed 
That she could give him now the charge, to lead 



423 



424 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 

One wing of the great army that set out 
From Paris' gates, midst many a wavering shout, 
Midst trembling prayers, and unchecked wails and tears, 
And slender hopes and unresisted fears. 

Now ere he went, upon his bed he lay, 
Newly awakened at the dawn of day, 
Gathering perplexed thoughts of many a thing, 
When, midst the carol that the birds did sing 
Unto the coming of the hopeful sun. 
He heard a sudden lovesome song begun 
'Twixt two young voices in the garden green, 
That seemed indeed the farewell of the Queen. 



SONG. 

H.EC. 

In the white -flowered hawthorn brake^ 
Love, be merjyfor my sake ; 
Twme the blossoms in my hair. 
Kiss me where I am most fair — 
Kiss me, love ! for who knozveth 
What thing cometh after death ? 

ILLE. 

JVay, the garlanded gold hair 
Hides thee where thou art most fair ; 
Hides the rose-tinged hills of snow — 
Ah, sweet love, I have thee now I 
Kiss me, love I for zvho knoweth 
What thing coineth after death ? 

Shall we weep for a dead day. 
Or set Sorrow in our way ? 
Hiddejt by my golden hair. 
Wilt thou weep that sweet days wear ? 
Kiss me, love ! for who knoweth 
What thing cometh after death ? 

ILLE. 
Weep, O Love, the days that flit. 
Now, while I can feel thy breath ; 



OGIER THE DANE, 425 

Theit may I rem ember it 

Sad and old, and near my death* 
Kiss me, love I for who knozveth 
What thing cometh after death ? 

Soothed by the pleasure that the music brought 

And sweet desire, and vague and dreamy thought 

Of happiness it seemed to promise him, 

He lay and listened till his eyes grew dim, 

And o'er him 'gan forgetfulness to creep 

Till in the growing light he lay asleep, 

Nor woke until the clanging trumpet-blast 

Had summoned him all thought away to cast : 

Yet one more joy of love indeed he had 

Ere with the battle's noise he was made glad ; 

For, as on that May morning forth they rode 

And passed before the Queen's most fair abode, 

There at a window was she waiting them 

In fair attire v/ith gold in every hem. 

And as the Ancient Knight beneath her passed 

A wreath of flowering white- thorn down she cast. 

And looked farewell to him, and forth he set 

Thinking of all the pleasure he should get 

From love and war, forgetting Avallon 

And all that, lovely life so lightly won ; 

Yea, now indeed the earthly life o'erpast 

Ere on the loadstone rock his ship was cast 

Was waxing dim, nor yet at all he learned 

To 'scape the fire that erst his heart was burned. 

And he forgat his deeds, forgat his fame, 

Forgat the letters of his ancient name 

As one waked fully shall forget a dream. 

That once to him a wondrous tale did seem. 

Now I, though writing here no chronicle 
E'en as I said, must nathless shortly, tell 
That, ere the army Rouen's gates could gain 
By a broad arrow had the King been slain, 
And helpless now the wretched country lay 
Beneath the yoke, until the glorious day 
When Ogier fell at last upon the foe. 
And scattered them as helplessly as though 
They had been beaten men without a name : 
So when to Paris town once more he came 
Few folk the memoiy of the King did keep 
Within their hearts, and if the folk did weep 



4:6 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

At his returning, 'twas for joy indeed 

That such a man had risen at their need 

To work for them so great deliverance, 

And loud they called on him for King of France. 

But if the Queen's heart were the more a-flame 
For all that she had heard of his great fame, 
I know not ; rather with some hidden dread 
- Of coming fate, she heard her lord was dead, 
And her false dream seemed coming true at last, 
For the clear sky of love seemed overcast 
With clouds of God's great judgments, and the fear 
Of hate and final parting drawing near. 

So now when he before her throne did stand 
Amidst the throng as savior of the land; 
And she her eyes to his kind eyes did raise, 
And there before all her own love must praise ; 
Then did she fall a-weeping, and folk said, 
" See, how she sorrows for the newly dead ! 
Amidst our joy she needs must think of him ; 
Let be, full surely shall her grief wax dim 
And she shall wed again." 

So passed the year, 
While Ogier set himself the land to clear 
Of broken remnants of the heathen men. 
And at the last, when May-time came again. 
Must he be crowned King of the twice-saved land, 
And at the altar take the fair Queen's hand 
And wed her for his own. And now by this 
Had he forgotten clean the woe and bliss 
Of his old life, and still was he made glad 
As other men ; and hopes and fears he had 
As others, and bethought him not at all 
Of what strange days upon him yet should fall 
When he should live and these again be dead. 

Now drew the time round when he should be wed, 
And in his palace on his bed he lay 
Upon the dawning of the very day : 
'Twixt sleep and waking was he, and could hear 
E'en at that hour, through the bright morn and clear. 
The hammering of the folk who toiled to make 
Some well- wrought stages for the pageant's sake, 
Though hardly yet the sparrows had begun 
To twitter o'er the coming of the sun, 
Nor through the palace did a creature move. 



OGIER THE DANE. 

There in the sweet entanglement of love 
Midst languid thoughts of greater bliss he lay, 
Remembering no more of that other day 
Than the hot noon remembereth of the night, 
Than summer thinketh of the winter white. 

In that sweet hour he heard a voice that cried, 
"Ogier, Ogier ! " then, opening his eyes wide, 
And rising on his elbow, gazed around. 
And strange to him and empty was the sound 
Of his own name ; " Whom callest thou ? " he said, 
For I, the man who lies upon this bed, 
Am Charles of France, and shall be King to-day, 
But in a year that now is past away 
The Ancient Knight they called me : who is this. 
Thou callest Ogier, then, what deeds are his ? 
And who art thou ? " But at that word a sigh, 
As of one grieved, came from some place anigh 
His bedside, and a soft voice spake again, 
*' This Ogier once was great amongst great men; 
To Italy a helpless hostage led ; 
He saved the King when the false Lombard fled, 
Bore forth the Oriflamme and gained the day ; 
Chariot he brought back, whom men led away, 
And fought a day-long fight with Caraheu. 
The ravager of Rome his right hand slew ; 
Nor did he fear the might of Charlemaine, 
Who for a dreary year beset in vain 
His lonely castle ; yet at last caught then, 
And shut in hold, needs must he come again 
To give an unhoped great deliverance 
Unto the burdened, helpless land of France : 
Denmark he gained thereafter, and he wore 
The crown of England drawn from trouble sore ; 
At Tyre then he reigned, and Babylon 
With mighty deeds he from the foemen won ; 
And when scarce aught could give him greater fame, 
He left the world still thinking on his name. 

*' These things did Ogier, and these things didst thou. 
Nor will I call thee by a new name now 
Since I have spoken words of love to thee — 
Ogier, Ogier, dost thou remember me, 
E'en if thou hast no thought of that past time 
Before thou camest to our happy clime ? " 

As this was said, his mazed eyes saw indeed 
A lovely woman clad in dainty weed 



427 



428 THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

Beside his bed, and many a thought was stirred 
- Within his heart by that last plaintive word, 

Though naught he said, but waited what should come. 

" Love," said she, " I am here to bring thee home ; 

Well hast thou done all that thou cam'st to do, 

And if thou bidest here, for something new 

Will folk begin to cry, and all thy fame 

Shall then avail thee but for greater blame ; 

Thy love shall cease to love thee, and the earth 

Thou lovest now shall be of litde worth 

While still thou keepest life, abhorring it. 

Behold, in men's lives that so quickly flit 

Thus is it, how then shall it be with thee, 

Who some faint image of eternity 

Hast gained through me ? — alas, thou heedest not ! 

On all these changing things thine heart is hot, — 

Take then this gift that I have brought from far, 

And then may'st thou remember what we are ; 

The lover and the loved from long ago." 

He trembled, and more memory seemed to grow 
Within his heart as he beheld her stand. 
Holding a glittering crown in her right hand : 
*' Ogier," she said, *' arise and do on thee 
The emblems of thy worldly sovereignty. 
For we must pass o'er many a sea this morn." 

He rose, and in the glittering tunic worn 
By Charlemaine he clad himself, and took 
The ivory hand, that Charlemaine once shook 
Over the people's head in days of old ; 
Then on his feet he set the shoes of gold. 
And 6'er his shoulders threw the mantle fair, 
And set the gold crown on his golden hair ; 
Then on the royal chair he sat him down, 
As though he deemed the elders of the town 
Should come to audience ; and in all he seemed 
To do these things e'en as a man who dreamed. 

And now adown the Seine the golden sun 
Shone out, as toward him drew that lovely one 
And took from off his head the royal crown, 
And, smiling on the pillow laid it down. 
And said, " Lie there, O crown of Charlemaine, 
Worn by a mighty man, and worn in vain. 
Because he died, and all the things he did 
Were changed before his face by earth was hid ; 
A better crown I have for my love's head, 



OGIER THE DANE, 429 

Whereby he yet shall live, when all are dead 
His hand has helped. " Then on his head she set 
The wondrous crown, and said, *' Forget, forget! 
Forget these weary things, for thou hast much 
Of happiness to think of." 

At that touch 
He rose, a happy light gleamed in his eyes ; 
And smitten by the rush of memories, 
He stammered out, " O love ! how came we here? 
What do we in this land of Death and Fear ? 
Have I not been from thee a weary while ? 
Let us return — I dreamed about the isle ; 
I dreamed of other years of strife and pain, 
Of new years full of struggles long and vain. " 

She took him by the hand and said, " Come, love, 
I am not changed " ; and therewith did they move 
Unto the door, and through the sleeping place 
Swiftly they went, and still was Ogier's face 
Turned on her beauty, and no thought was his 
Except the dear returning of his bliss. 

But at the threshold of the palace-gate 
That opened to them, she awhile did wait, 
And turned her eyes unto the rippling Seine 
And said, *' O love, behold it once again !" 
He turned, and gazed upon the city gray 
Smit by the gold of that sweet morn of May ; 
He heard faint noises as of wakening folk 
As on their heads his day of glory broke ; 
He heard the changing rush of the swift stream 
Against the bridge-piers. All was growm a dream, 
His work was over, his reward was come. 
Why should he loiter longer from his home ? 

A little while she watched him silently, 

hen beckoned him to follow, with a sigh, 
And, raising up the raiment from her feet, 
Across the threshold stepped into the street ; 
One moment on the twain the low sun shone. 
And then the place was void, and they were gone 
How I know not ; but this I know indeed, 
That in whatso great trouble or sore need 
The land of France since that fair day has been. 
No more the sword of Ogier has she seen. 



430 THE EARTHLY PARADISE. 



SUCH was the tale he told of Avallon, 
E'en such an one as in days past had won 
His youthful heart to think upon the quest : 
But those old hearts nigh in reach of rest, 
Not much to be desired now it seemed — 
Perchance the heart that of such things had dreamed 
Had found no words in this death-laden tongue 
We speak on earth, wherewith they might be sung ; 
Perchance the changing years that changed his heart 
E'en in the words of that old tale had part. 
Changing its sweet to bitter, to despair 
The foolish hope that once had glittered there — 
Or think, that in some bay of that far home 
They then had sat, and watched the green waves come 
Up to their feet with many promises ; 
Or the light wind midst blossom-laden trees. 
In the sweet Spring had waited many a word 
Of no worth now, and many a hope had stirred 
Long dead forever. 

Howsoe'er that be 
Among strange folk they now sat quietly, 
As though that tale with them had naught to do. 
As though its hopes and fears were something new. 
But though, indeed, the outworn, dwindled band 
Had no tears left for that once longed-for land. 
The very wind must moan for their decay, 
And from the sky, grown dull, and low, and gray, 
Cold tears must fall upon the lonely field. 
That such fair golden hopes erewhile did yield ; 
And on the blackening woods, wherein the doves 
Sat silent now, forgetful of their loves. 
Yet, since a little life at last was left, 
They were not yet of every joy bereft. 
For long ago was past the agony. 
Midst which they found that they indeed must die ; 
And now wellnigh as much their pain was past 
As though death's veil already had been cast 
Over their heads — so, midst some little mirth. 
They watched the dark night hide the gloomy earth. 



Cambridge : Printed by Welch, Bigelovv, & Co. 



In Preparation^ 

THE 

SECOND AND CONCLUDING VOLUME 

OF 

THE EARTHLY PARADISE, 

WHICH WILL CONTAIN 

The following Tales in Verse :^^ 

The Story of Theseus. 
The Hill of Venus. 
The Story of Orpheus and Eurydice. 
The Story of Dorothea. 
The Fortunes of Gyges. 
The Palace East of the Sun. 
The Dolphins and the Lovers. 
The Man who never Laughed again. 
The Story of Rhodope. 
Amys and Amillion. 
The Story of Bellerophon. 
The Ring given to Venus. 
The Epilogue to The Earthly Paradise. 



By the same Author^ 

THE 

LIFE AND DEATH OF JASON, 

A Poem in 17 Books, 
In one volume, i6mo, cloth, price $ 1.50. 



" Morris's * Jason ' is in the purest, simplest, most idiomatic English ; 
full of freshness, full of life, vivid in landscape, vivid in human action, 
worth reading at the cost of many leisure hours even to a busy man." — 
The Times. 

" Not many living Englishmen have written so good a poem on such a 
scale. Mr. Morris is a most skilful narrator, full of the sweet garrulity 
proper to the olden time and those that love it." — The Gziardian, 

*' Mr. Morris has displayed poetic qualities rare in themselves, and 
especially rare in these days. We should have to go back for a quarter 
of a century to find any labor of equal pretension that exhibits the same 
amount of fortitude in the writer and the same intimate knowledge of all 
that relates to his theme." — The AthencEum. 

" ' The Life and Death of Jason ' is a fine poem, which never flags in 
interest for a single line, and is full of music, life, and clear vision. The 
freshness of the early world ' has taken complete possession of Mr. 
Morris as he wrote." — The Spectator. 

" In all the noble roll of our poets there has been since Chaucer no 
second teller of Tales, no second rhapsode comparable to the first, till the 
advent of this one. Rarely but in the ballad and romance periods has 
such poetry been written, so broad and sad and simple, so full of deep 
and direct fire, certain of its aim, without finish, without fault." — Fort- 
nightly Review. 

" Open this poem where the reader may, he will find in it broad and 
simple pictures of the olden days. It is true art alone which can draw 
pictures with this living simplicity, whether in bare outline or in full blaze 
of color; and this art Mr. Morris possesses in a high degree." — The 
Standard. 

" Musical, clear, and flowing, strangely imaginative and suggestive, 
presenting pictures of almost incomparable beauty, it is a work of which 
an epoch may be proud." — Sunday Times. 



001 






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